Zelensky, Netanyahu and Trump: A prostrate world at their feet, By Owei Lakemfa

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former U.S. President Donald Trump have been identified as key figures in a global landscape marked by escalating tensions and conflict. According to reports, these leaders are seen as central players in a world increasingly characterized by instability and the absence of universally accepted norms governing international relations. Current estimates suggest there are approximately 130 active wars globally, with several of these conflicts having direct or indirect links to the actions and decisions of these three individuals. Zelensky has recently taken a controversial step by ordering attacks on commercial Iranian vessels in the Caspian Sea. These attacks reportedly targeted the vessel Anna, resulting in the death of an Iranian sailor and injuries to others. Zelensky justified these actions by claiming the ships were transporting military cargo, thus making them legitimate targets. His rationale included the assertion that Iran's provision of military technology to Russia constituted an indirect attack on Ukraine, thereby warranting retaliation. Zelensky further urged Iran to cease its support for Russia and warned against potential retaliation. Iran, known for its resistance against U.S. influence, has not remained silent in response. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, issued a stern warning that any aggression against Iran would incur costs, emphasizing that both the U.S. and Israel are acutely aware of this reality. Additionally, Azizi suggested that Ukraine might soon recognize that Iran does not tolerate such actions without consequence. Despite these warnings, Zelensky appears unfazed by the potential repercussions of his actions. Reports indicate that he has chosen to align more closely with Trump, who previously cautioned Zelensky about continuing the war with Russia. Instead of heeding this advice, Zelensky sought refuge within the European Union, waiting for Trump's tenure to conclude. As the U.S. becomes increasingly entangled in its complex relationship with Iran, Zelensky sees an opportunity to strengthen ties with Trump and the broader American establishment. Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to engage in multiple fronts across the Middle East. His involvement spans conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Notably, Netanyahu has deliberately targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), resulting in the deaths of seven individuals without facing any repercussions. This pattern of behavior underscores his strategic approach to maintaining regional dominance through continuous engagement in conflict zones. Zelensky's rise to power began with his transformation from a comedian into a politician. Initially gaining fame through his television show Servant of the People, where he portrayed a high school teacher critical of corruption, Zelensky leveraged this persona to launch a political career. During the 2019 elections, he positioned himself as a candidate advocating for peace, contrasting sharply with then-President Petro Poroshenko, who favored continued conflict. However, following his victory, Zelensky shifted course, embracing a more militaristic stance. The Russo-Ukrainian war saw Zelensky's initial rhetoric about peace being tested during negotiations in Belarus. Ukrainian negotiator Denys Kireev believed Zelensky's commitment to peace was genuine and advocated for a resolution. Upon returning to Kyiv, Kireev was detained on 5 March 2022 and executed, highlighting the shift in Zelensky's priorities. Furthermore, Zelensky initially pledged to serve only one term but later reconsidered, indicating a willingness to extend his tenure beyond the originally planned period. As of May 2024, Zelensky has not stepped down nor initiated new electoral processes, suggesting a continuation of his current leadership trajectory.