Zelensky urges united global response against ‘terror’

Russia is ‘concentrating its efforts to break through our defenses west of Bakhmut,’ Syrsky said, referring to the destroyed town in the Donetsk region captured by Russia last May

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned Tehran’s strikes on Israel and urged a united global response to “terror” attacks by Russia and Iran.

“Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict,” Zelensky wrote on X.

He added that “the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world.”

Zelensky said “Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles.”

Russia has used huge numbers of Iranian drones in its war against Ukraine and Zelensky linked Ukraine and Israel’s experiences.

“We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same ‘Shahed’ drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass airstrikes,” he wrote. Many in Ukraine have complained that Western support for Israel on Saturday was been more wide-reaching than support for Ukraine, citing international efforts to intercept missiles and drones.

Zelensky said that only “tangible assistance” can stop missiles and drones, adding a plea for the release of US war aid for Ukraine that has long been blocked by Congress.

“It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America’s allies at this critical time,” he said.

Meantime, Ukrainian troops defending the frontline town of Chasiv Yar under relentless Russian attack have received additional drones and weaponry, the commander-in-chief of Kyiv’s armed forces, Oleksandr Syrsky, said Sunday.

Syrsky wrote on Facebook after visiting troops defending the battered town that “measures were taken to significantly strengthen the brigades with ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment.”

Russia is “concentrating its efforts to break through our defenses west of Bakhmut,” Syrsky said, referring to the destroyed town in the Donetsk region captured by Russia last May.

He said Russia aims to “seize the town of Chasiv Yar,” which lies 20 kilometers west of Bakhmut.

Chasiv Yar has been heavily destroyed by shelling and Ukraine has said it is now under “constant fire.”

Syrksky said Russia’s military leadership has set a deadline to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9, when Russia marks Soviet victory in World War II.