Ukraine's Zelensky lambasts Israel for 'lack of support' in war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is "shocked" by Israel’s lack of aid for his country since Russia's invasion started in February.

In an interview with French outlet Ouest-France, Zelensky on Friday lambasted Israel its lack of military support for the Ukrainian war effort.

 "I am shocked and I do not understand [this]. Israel gave us nothing, nothing, zero…I understand that they have to defend their land, but I have received information that Israel is exporting its weapons to other countries", he said.

"These are straight facts: there were discussions with the Israeli government, but they have not helped Ukraine. Why wouldn’t they give us air defence?"

Zelensky also called on the Russian people to start an internal revolution against President Vladimir Putin, saying he does not know if Moscow will escalate the conflict enough to use nuclear weapons.

He also urged other Western powers to send more weaponry.

Israel has expressed support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February. But wary of damaging relations with Russia, a powerbroker in neighbouring Syria, it initially avoided direct criticism of Moscow and has not enforced formal sanctions on Russian oligarchs.