Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the unfolding events in the Middle East as a significant opportunity for the Iranian populace to liberate themselves from what he termed a terrorist regime. His remarks come amid escalating military actions involving Israel and Iran.
On February 28, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the initiation of a preemptive military operation against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.” This operation reportedly involved airstrikes targeting various locations in Iran, including Tehran, which experienced explosions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that the joint military effort with the United States aims to empower the courageous Iranian people to take control of their destiny. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to surrender and called upon Iranians to overthrow their clerical government, claiming it might be their only chance in generations.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, encouraged Iranians to prepare for a final battle, asserting that humanitarian aid promised by Trump is directed against the repressive Iranian regime rather than the nation itself.
The Israel Defense Forces reported the launch of missiles from Iran towards Israeli territory, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency across the country. All regions transitioned to a necessary operations mode.
In response, Iranian officials claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, resulting in casualties. Reports indicated the closure of airspace in Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE due to these hostilities.
Iran’s military leadership warned that any country assisting Israel would become a target of the Islamic Republic’s military actions. The Iranian government also announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, halting tanker movements.
As the situation escalated, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined the military operation against Iran, asserting their intention to retaliate. Saudi Arabia expressed readiness to support other Arab nations in response to Iranian aggression.
International reactions have varied. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa announced broad sanctions against Iran, condemning its actions. They urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilian lives.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation, criticizing both U.S. and Israeli actions alongside Iran’s retaliatory strikes. France, Germany, and the UK also denounced Iranian attacks and called for a return to diplomatic negotiations.
In light of these developments, the UN Security Council plans to convene an emergency meeting on February 28 to discuss the Middle East situation. The meeting is set to begin at 23:00 Kyiv time.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has advised citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel and Iran due to the heightened tensions.
In related news, Zelenskyy met with representatives from the new Dutch government, discussing defense cooperation and diplomatic efforts for a sustainable peace. He also announced sanctions against ten Russian transport companies involved in logistics for occupied territories.
As military actions continue, the conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point, with ongoing attacks reported from Russian forces, particularly in the eastern regions.
President Zelenskyy views the recent military actions in the Middle East as a pivotal moment for the Iranian people to challenge their regime. The situation has drawn international responses and escalated regional tensions, prompting discussions on military and diplomatic strategies.
