Ukraine's President Zelensky argues that the Israel-Gaza conflict is diverting attention from Ukraine's ongoing war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has acknowledged that the Israel-Gaza war is diverting attention away from the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that Russia, which initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aims to distract from Ukraine's situation. Despite recent statements from Ukraine's top military general suggesting a stalemate, Zelensky denied this and asserted that Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south is not making significant progress. Concerns have emerged that war fatigue among Western allies may lead to a reduced willingness to provide Ukraine with advanced weapons and funds. Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelensky emphasized that Russia is attempting to weaken the focus on Ukraine but reassured that Ukraine has the capability to overcome this. Zelensky also addressed criticisms that the war in Ukraine has reached a static stage, while admitting that Russia currently dominates the skies. He advocated for US-made F-16 warplanes and advanced anti-aircraft defenses to alter the situation. Zelensky referenced previous comments about a stalemate on the Ukrainian battlefield, noting that major military victories in the Kharkiv region and Kherson have occurred since then. He dismissed reports that he is under pressure to negotiate with Russia, stating that no pressure has been exerted by EU, US, or other partners. The Kremlin reacted to the assessment of Ukraine's chief military commander by rejecting the idea of a stalemate and emphasizing that Ukraine cannot achieve victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu have consistently claimed that Ukraine is losing the war. The UK defence intelligence report revealed that Russia likely lost around 200 armored vehicles during the assault on Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, with potential personnel casualties in the thousands. Moscow has been attempting to advance in eastern and north-eastern Ukraine, but Ukraine's military has refuted all attacks. It is essential to note that independent verification of claims by both sides is lacking.