War Between Israel And Hamas Diverting Focus From Ukraine, It’s Russia’s Objective – Zelensky

For nearly a year, the extensive frontlines in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict have seen minimal movement, leading a senior Ukrainian official to declare this week, that the situation is at a standstill.

“Time has passed, people are tired… But this is not a stalemate,” Volodymyr Zelensky told a press conference in Kyiv with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

The Ukrainian leader also rejected the idea Western countries were putting pressure on Kyiv to enter negotiations with Russia, amid reports US and EU officials had discussed what such talks would entail.

“No one among our partners is pressuring us to sit down with Russia, talk to it, and give it something,” he said.

With the war now in its 20th month and Ukraine struggling to gain ground in its counteroffensive, Zelensky has routinely met Western leaders in a bid to stave off fatigue from the conflict.

Zelensky said the war between Israel and Hamas had also drawn attention away from Ukraine, and said that this was “Russia’s goal”.

“Of course, it’s clear that the war in the Middle East, this conflict, is taking away the focus,” Zelensky said.

“We have already been in very difficult situations when there was almost no focus on Ukraine,” he said, but added: “I am absolutely sure we will overcome this challenge.”

Ukraine’s backers, including the United States, have maintained they are ready to support Kyiv with military and financial support for as long as it takes to defeat Russia.

Zelensky’s comments came as EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward joining the 27-member bloc.

Kyiv received EU candidacy status several months after Russia invaded last year, but analysts have warned it faces a long and difficult path to membership.

“You have reached many milestones,” von der Leyen told Zelensky.

“Reforming your justice system. Curbing the oligarchs’ grip. Tackling money laundering and much more,” she said.

“We should never forget you are fighting an existential war, and at the same time, you’re deeply reforming your country,” she added.

She said she was “confident” Ukraine would progress with the accession process when these reforms were implemented.

The EU Commission has proposed an additional 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in funding for Ukraine until 2027, von der Leyen said.

Almost all EU member states back further long-term aid for Kyiv, with only Hungary and Slovakia holding out.

The Commission now has until November 8 to submit a report on how much progress Ukraine and other EU hopefuls Moldova and Georgia have made ahead of a summit of the bloc in December.