The FIFA World Cup final, to be watched by millions around the world, was a good opportunity for Ukraine to reach out to the world and plead for help amid attacks by Russian forces, but Zelensky’s mission backfired.
Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kherson.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has suffered a major setback when the organizers of the World Cup FIFA rejected his request to deliver a message of world peace ahead of the final of the tournament in Qatar on Sunday. Zelensky wanted to deliver a video message to the fans at the Qatar stadium before the game, but was surprised by the negative reply. However, a media report said that talks between Ukraine and the governing body of the sport are still ongoing.
The Ukrainian president has repeatedly appealed for peace and aid in government and on the world stage at cultural events, including Israel’s parliament, US lawmakers, the Grammy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival and the G20 summit. Zelensky has also interviewed and spoken to a variety of journalists and well-known entertainers, including Sean Paul and David Letterman. Ukraine’s President Zelensky was named as Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ this month.
The FIFA World Cup final, to be watched by millions around the world, was a good opportunity for Ukraine to reach out to the world and plead for help amid attacks by Russian forces, but Zelensky’s mission backfired. Russia fired more than 70 missiles at Ukraine on Friday in one of its biggest attacks since the start of the war, forcing Kyiv to impose an emergency blackout. Earlier, Kyiv warned that Moscow is planning a new all-out offensive in early 2023.
Four people died due to Russia’s attack – Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said three people were killed when an apartment block came under attack in central Kryvyi Rih and another was killed in shelling in Kherson in the south. Russian-based officials in occupied eastern Ukraine said 12 people were killed by Ukrainian shelling. In a video address, Zelensky said Russia still had enough missiles for several large-scale strikes and again urged Western allies to supply Kyiv with more and better air defences.
Ukraine has pushed Russia back many times, it has had to suffer. After this, in the beginning of October, the energy infrastructure of Ukraine was demolished. However, the most dangerous missile attack was done on Friday, which shook the foundation of Ukraine. Zelensky would not have thought that Russia would launch such a strong attack together.
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