Volodymyr Zelensky continues to lead a nation in turmoil. While the Russian invasion of the European nation has slowed at times, it also has shown stamina that was perhaps underestimated. There’s no doubt Vladimir Putin’s forces have suffered embarrassment at times, and are not nearly as capable as the propaganda suggested, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be victorious in the end.
Naturally, that has left Zelensky in the position of rallying support in any way he can, and under the circumstances, it’s tough to fault him for some of the things he’s said. Yet, one recent comment involving the Holocaust has struck a nerve among even strong international supporters of the Ukrainian president.
It’s one thing to seek help from other nations, even in strong terms. It’s another to distort history in such a wildly offensive way in that pursuit. That’s what Zelensky did here, purposefully or not, and I think that’s why some of those who have long spoken warmly of him are now saying this was a step too far.
Yes, Zelensky himself is Jewish, and that makes Russian claims that he’s a secret nazi fairly ridiculous. Yet, Ukraine’s history is not up for debate. Collaboration with Nazi Germany was not just widespread among the Ukrainian leadership at the time, but also among the general populace. To this day, nazi elements in Ukraine are still far more widespread than anyone should be comfortable with. As I’ve written previously, that’s a secondary concern to Russia’s invasion and not at all a justification for it, but it’s also not something that can be wished away.
Zelensky’s framing of Israel is also unfair in that it ignores the realities on the ground. Russia controls Syria by proxy. There are important military agreements between the Israelis and the Russians that allow the former to destroy terrorist threats ins,ide of Syria. It is not a matter of rhetoric, but a matter of putting Israelis in physical peril if those agreements were to be ended. That is why Israel has been very careful about how they’ve approached Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Yes, countries should step up to help Ukraine if they can, but there shouldn’t be an expectation for a nation to put its own residents in danger to do so.
Again, I understand Zelensky is desperate. That’s an understandable thing, given the situation he is in. In the face of that, though, he has to be smart in his approach. Ukraine’s history of nazism is a very real thing. Using the Holocaust as a wedge issue against Israelis, when large numbers of Ukrainians helped perpetuate that horror, is just a big strategic blunder on his part.
At this point, it should be clear to Zelensky that no other nations are coming to his aid as far as physical support goes. The risks of a major world war are just too great. Further, a nation like Israeli imposing sanctions and harming its own self-defense is not going to deter Russia in the slightest. With that reality present, it is important for Zelensky to make an honest assessment of his options. If Ukraine has the ability and will to continue fighting, that is their choice, but attempting to shame other nations into direct conflict with Russia is not a viable path. That needs to be accepted — and all other decisions should be with that in mind.