Zelensky's biggest diplomatic challenge since the start of the war

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was quick in showing his support for Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack that killed thousands.

Zelensky did not doubt about rallying behind the position of the US, one of his key supporters in his defense against Russia, regarding the war on Gaza.

He also took the opportunity to draw attention to the links between Russia and Iran, one of Hamas' vital supporters and a supplier of drones and weapons for Putin.

With those comparisons, Zelensky tried to create a parallelism between the two wars as if they were fighting the same evil, according to an analysis by the United States Institute of Peace.

However, as the conflict escalated, Zelensky's unquestioned support for Israel became a diplomatic challenge that risked the work Ukraine had done to gain support from Middle Eastern powers.

Zelenky steered clear of condemning the Israeli bombardments that have killed thousands of civilians, including many children and at least 21 Ukrainian citizens, according to Washington Post data.

The actions of Israel opened a crack in the comparisons Zelensky was trying to make, especially in the eyes of Middle Eastern countries.

According to the Washington Post, many leaders in the area have accused the West of hypocrisy as they condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine while supporting Israel's illegal occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

That is a challenge for Zelensky because, at times, the support of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar has been crucial in mediation and negotiations with Russia. Furthermore Israel has not cut relations with Putin.

On October 29, Zelensky hosted talks about his peace plan in Malta. According to the Washington Post, Saudi Arabia and Turkey were timid in their confirmations of attendance. Saudi Arabia hosted the same talks in August.

But the loss of Middle Eastern support is not the only diplomatic challenge Zelensky is facing since the eruption of the war in Gaza: Ukraine is losing the attention of the international community.

That lack of attention can take a toll on American financial and political support for Ukraine as the Biden administration concentrates on Israel and the Middle East.

It also gave an excuse to cut funding for Ukraine to a portion of House Republicans who have asked for cuts in the resources that the US has sent.

One of the first actions of Rep. Mike Johnson when he took his role as House Speaker was an aid package for Israel that excluded any support for Ukraine.

On the other hand, Senate Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed suggesting  Congress should approve funds for both countries and Taiwan in a single package.

Zelenky has not changed his support for Israel, and despite admitting that it is pivoting the attention, he said he is sure they will "overcome this challenge" in declarations collected by France 24.