Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Asked Israel To Join The War Against Russia

President Zelensky. (Source: President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday called on Israel to join the war against Russia, repeating a request for Israel's air defense system.

"Isn't it time for your employer to choose who you side with?" President Zelensky said in an online speech to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing Reuters Oct. 25.

"Is it with the world of democracy, which is fighting side by side against an existential threat to its existence? Or with those who turn a blind eye to Russian terror, even as the continued cost of terror is the total destruction of global security," he said.

Israel condemns Russia's invasion, but is wary of tensions in relations with Moscow, the 'intermediary of power' in neighboring Syria where Israeli forces frequently attack pro-Iranian militias, and want to ensure the welfare of the Jews.

The country faced some criticism for its stance in Washington on Monday. Representative of the US Republic Mike Turner told reporters on a conference call after he traveled to Ukraine that he was "personally disappointed" with Israel.

"We haven't seen, since Bosnia, the level of absolute thuggery killing of innocent civilians since World War Two and this is the time for all democracies and all countries with a moral compass to stand together against this kind of brutality," said Turner, who holds senior positions on the US House of Representatives' intelligence committee and Armed Forces.

Israel, which will elect a new government in elections on November 1, has limited its aid to sending humanitarian aid and defense equipment. Recently, Israel offered assistance in developing airstrike warnings for Ukrainian civilians.

However, President Zelensky said it was not enough and asked Israeli leaders to reconsider the delivery of air defenses. Previously, he had submitted the same request several times since the war began in February.