Ukraine’s Jewish president: We should be like ‘Israel in defending our land’
Volodymyr Zelenskiy makes rallying call to oppose Russia more robustly, in speech after taking oath of office as new head of state
The Jewish TV comic who became Ukraine’s president last month has told his compatriots to be “more like Israel” when it comes to fighting Russia.
In a speech after taking the oath of office, Volodymyr Zelenskiy dissolved the country’s parliament and ordered new elections, saying his first task as president was to resolve the conflict with Russia in Ukraine’s eastern regions.
Zelenskiy played the part of Ukrainian president in his TV comedy show before life imitated art and the Ukrainian people voted him in by a landslide in April, winning 73.5 percent of the vote compared to 26.5 percent for incumbent Petro Poroshenko.
Outlining his vision for the country, Zelenskiy said: “We must become Icelanders in football, Israelis in defending our native land, Japanese in technology, Swiss in our ability to live happily with each other, despite any differences”.
During his presidential campaign, he said his primary task was to tackle rampant and systemic corruption and this week urged the parliament to pass a law that would strip politicians of immunity. He also wants military purchases to become transparent.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
