Ukraine Recognizes Both Israel and Palestine, Says Zelensky

Ukraine recognizes two states: both Israel and Palestine. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a plenary session dedicated to peace and stability at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.

During the session, a participant inquired whether Ukraine and other states should call on Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and maintain the principle of proportionality, distinguishing between militants and civilians in Palestine. They noted that Ukraine has unequivocally acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense following Hamas’ attacks while repeatedly emphasizing the supremacy of law.

In response to the question, President Zelensky referred to the fight against misinformation. "Questions can be raised, as you have just done, linking all processes, all timelines of different assaults - Hamas on Israel, and then Israeli pressure in Gaza. And you can clarify that. Ukraine is a fair country that respects international law and the UN Charter. Ukraine stated that if Hamas terrorists, on the first day of their attack on Israel's civilian population, attack civilians, Israel has the right to defend itself,” Zelensky responded.

He urged to “not mix everything into one question.”

“And after that, when Israel was in the Gaza area and there was a humanitarian crisis, Ukraine said - first, it is ready to help humanitarian-wise, second, international law must be respected, third, Ukraine recognizes two states: both Israel and Palestine, and will do everything to ensure that Israel stops and that this conflict ends, and that civilians do not suffer. So please, do not confuse two periods and do not mix them together,” Zelensky emphasized.

Some time later, during a press conference, he added that Ukraine has invited both Palestine and Israel to a peace summit “regardless of whether someone likes it or not.”