The history of Ukraine is a continuous chronicle of struggle for survival, filled with tragedies caused by external aggressors who, for centuries, sought to destroy our statehood, culture, language, and national identity. From the Mongol-Tatar invasions to the imperial policies of the Russian Empire, from the brutal repressions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to the totalitarian oppression of the Soviet Union, Ukrainians have always faced the threat of assimilation or complete annihilation. The Holodomor of 1932–1933, an artificial famine orchestrated by the Stalinist regime, claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainians and became one of the most horrific acts of genocide in human history. This crime not only physically destroyed a significant portion of the Ukrainian nation but also aimed to break our spirit, eradicate our uniqueness, and undermine our will to resist. The imperial policies of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union systematically banned the Ukrainian language, culture, and religion, attempting to transform Ukrainians into a faceless part of the "Russian world." The ongoing war, initiated by Russia in 2014 and escalated in 2022 with a full-scale invasion, is merely a continuation of this centuries-long aggression. Russian forces not only occupy Ukrainian territories but also commit war crimes: mass murders of civilians, rapes, and the destruction of cultural heritage and infrastructure. Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol—these names have become symbols of Russian terror, reminiscent of the darkest pages of Ukrainian history.

In such conditions, when Ukrainians fight daily for their existence, empathy toward other peoples whose values or actions do not align with ours becomes not only unnecessary but also a dangerous luxury. A nation engaged in an existential war cannot afford to squander its emotional, intellectual, or moral resources on supporting those who do not contribute to our struggle. Every drop of compassion, every moment of attention, every gesture of solidarity must be directed toward strengthening Ukrainian statehood, supporting our soldiers, and rebuilding our devastated country. Historically, Ukrainians have rarely received empathy from other nations during their most trying times. During the Holodomor, the international community remained silent, and during Soviet repressions, the West often turned a blind eye to Ukrainian suffering, considering it an internal matter of the USSR. This experience has taught us that relying on external compassion is futile—we must depend solely on our own strength and those who share our goals.

The Palestinian movement, particularly organizations like Hamas, embodies ideologies and methods that are not only foreign to Ukrainians but also directly contradict the principles of freedom, democracy, and humanity for which we fight. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Israel, uses violence against civilians as its primary tool of struggle. Rocket attacks on Israeli cities, terrorist acts, and abductions of people—these methods are eerily similar to Russia’s tactics in Ukraine. For Ukrainians, who daily endure Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv, or Odesa, witness the destruction of schools and hospitals, and hear of mass executions in occupied cities, any form of sympathy for groups resorting to such actions is morally unacceptable. Hamas, like Russian occupiers, does not distinguish between military and civilian targets, using terror as a means to achieve political goals. This parallel makes any empathy toward the Palestinian movement impossible for Ukrainians, who are themselves victims of similar terror.

Moreover, Palestinian leaders, particularly those affiliated with Hamas, often express sympathies toward anti-Western regimes such as Russia and Iran, which are direct enemies of Ukraine. Russia, which funds and supports terrorist regimes in the Middle East, uses the Palestinian issue as a tool to destabilize the region and weaken Western influence. Iran, a key sponsor of Hamas, supplies Russia with kamikaze drones that kill Ukrainians. While Israel, a Western ally, has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and technical support, Palestinian leaders have either remained silent on the war in Ukraine or openly sided with Russia. This political stance makes the Palestinian movement not only alien but also hostile to Ukrainian national interests. Why should we feel empathy for those whose leaders collaborate with our oppressors? Ukraine’s historical experience also teaches us that compassion for those who choose the path of violence rarely yields positive results. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Ukrainian patriots repeatedly faced situations where attempts at dialogue with aggressors or their allies ended in betrayal. For instance, cooperation with the Bolsheviks during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921 led to the loss of independence and decades of repression. Today, as Ukraine fights for its place in the world, we cannot repeat these mistakes by showing compassion to those whose actions resemble the methods of our enemies. The Palestinian movement, with its radical elements, shows no willingness for peaceful coexistence or respect for international law—values that Ukraine upholds in its struggle.

Furthermore, Ukrainians have their own experience of combating terrorism. Pro-Russian separatists in Donbas, backed by the Kremlin, employed tactics similar to those of Hamas: intimidating civilians, carrying out sabotage, and shelling peaceful towns. Ukrainian soldiers confronting these terrorists know the cost of compassion for those who choose violence over dialogue. For them, as for most Ukrainians, supporting Palestinians, whose methods of struggle resemble those of Russian occupiers, is not only incomprehensible but also offensive. Our soldiers die defending Ukraine’s right to exist, and any attempt to justify or support terrorist methods used by other groups is a betrayal of their sacrifice.

Western countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and members of the European Union, have become Ukraine’s primary allies, providing military, financial, and humanitarian aid. This support enables Ukraine to resist Russian imperialism, which seeks to destroy our statehood and subjugate us to its geopolitical ambitions. In this context, Israel emerges as a significant partner of the West, a country that not only shares democratic values but also confronts the same anti-Western forces that threaten Ukraine. Israel, like Ukraine, is in a constant struggle for its existence, facing hostile neighbors and terrorist threats. This shared fate makes Israel a natural ally for Ukraine, as both nations uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, and the right to self-determination.Israel has repeatedly demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine, particularly following the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Israel’s humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and support for refugees, has been a valuable contribution to our struggle. Additionally, Israel has provided technical assistance, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and countering Russian disinformation. These actions show that Israel understands the significance of Ukraine’s fight and is willing to support us in confronting common enemies. In contrast, Palestinian leaders, especially those affiliated with radical organizations like Hamas, often express sympathies toward Russia and Iran—states that directly or indirectly support aggression against Ukraine. Russia, for instance, leverages its ties with Middle Eastern regimes to bolster its influence, while Iran supplies Russia with drones that kill Ukrainians. This stance by Palestinian leaders renders them not only indifferent to Ukrainian suffering but also complicit in the anti-Western axis that poses a threat to Ukraine.

The Palestinian movement, particularly its radical wings, has a long history of collaboration with anti-Western regimes. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union actively supported Palestinian organizations, providing them with financial, military, and ideological assistance. This support was part of the Soviet strategy to counter the West, aimed at weakening the influence of the United States and its allies, including Israel, in the Middle East. After the collapse of the USSR, Russia and Iran partially assumed this role, using the Palestinian issue as a tool to destabilize the region and advance their own geopolitical interests. Iran, the primary sponsor of Hamas, openly supports Russia in its war against Ukraine, supplying weapons and technology. Russia, in turn, employs rhetoric in support of Palestinians to strengthen its position in the Muslim world and divert attention from its war crimes in Ukraine. These connections make the Palestinian movement, particularly its radical elements, part of an anti-Western coalition that directly contradicts Ukraine’s interests.For Ukrainians fighting for their freedom against Russian imperialism, any form of empathy toward Palestinians, whose leaders collaborate with Ukraine’s enemies, is a strategic mistake. In times of war, when every ally and every unit of support is critical, Ukraine cannot afford to expend resources on compassion for those whose actions or political sympathies indirectly aid our adversaries. Supporting the Palestinian movement, even on an emotional level, risks weakening our relations with Israel and other Western allies who view Hamas and similar organizations as terrorist threats.

Moreover, such support could be exploited by Russian propaganda to discredit Ukraine in the eyes of the international community, portraying us as supporters of terrorism. In this context, empathy for Palestinians not only fails to advance Ukrainian interests but could actively harm us.Furthermore, the geopolitical reality demands that Ukraine clearly define its priorities. Our struggle against Russia is not only a war for territorial integrity but also part of a broader global confrontation between the democratic world and authoritarian regimes. Israel, like Ukraine, stands on the frontlines of this conflict, opposing forces that seek to destroy democratic values. The shared fight for freedom and security unites us with Israel, while the Palestinian movement, with its anti-Western rhetoric and ties to authoritarian regimes, aligns with our enemies. In this sense, the choice between supporting Israel and showing empathy for Palestinians is not merely a matter of morality but of strategic survival.

Conservative ideology in Ukraine is rooted in the defense of traditional values, Christian heritage, and national identity, which have been forged over centuries in the face of struggles for survival. Despite its multinational character and cultural diversity, Ukraine has a deeply ingrained Christian culture that forms the core of our worldview. Christianity, particularly Orthodoxy and Greek Catholicism, has played a pivotal role in shaping Ukrainian identity, providing moral guidance and spiritual strength to resist external threats. The Church has been not only a religious institution but also a bastion for preserving language, culture, and national consciousness during periods of statelessness. Today, as Ukraine fights against Russian aggression, Christian values such as love for one’s neighbor, justice, and mercy remain the foundation of our moral compass. These principles help us maintain unity and counter the enemy’s attempts to destroy our identity. In this context, supporting any movements or ideologies that contradict our values is not only unnecessary but also harmful to the Ukrainian nation.

The Palestinian movement, particularly its radical elements like Hamas, is associated with Islamic fundamentalism, which promotes values incompatible with the Ukrainian worldview. Hamas openly declares its goal of establishing an Islamic state based on Sharia law, which directly contradicts the principles of secular democracy that Ukraine fights for. Despite its Christian foundation, the Ukrainian state strives for tolerance and equality for all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. In contrast, Hamas’s ideology is rooted in religious intolerance and exclusivity, making it alien to Ukrainians who advocate for pluralism and freedom of conscience. The Islamic fundamentalism promoted by radical Palestinian organizations not only rejects democratic principles but also frequently justifies violence as a means to achieve political goals. For Ukrainians, who daily face the consequences of Russian terror, such methods are unacceptable, as they mirror the tactics of our enemy.

Moreover, Palestinian organizations, including Hamas, often resort to antisemitic rhetoric, which is categorically unacceptable for Ukrainians, who have historically suffered from discrimination, xenophobia, and ethnic cleansing. The antisemitism evident in the statements and actions of some Palestinian leaders contradicts Ukraine’s principles of tolerance and mutual respect. Ukraine has a painful history of coexistence with various peoples under imperial oppression, when Ukrainians were often marginalized, humiliated, and destroyed because of their identity. The Holodomor, repressions, and deportations have taught us to value human dignity and oppose all forms of hatred. Supporting Palestinians, whose leaders promote antisemitism and violence, contradicts our moral principles and Christian values, which call for love and respect for all people, regardless of their origins.

Ukraine’s history also demonstrates that tolerance and a desire for peaceful coexistence do not equate to weakness or concessions to those who choose the path of hatred. Ukrainians have fought for their freedom for centuries while maintaining respect for other cultures and religions. For example, during the era of the Cossack state, Ukraine was a refuge for various ethnic and religious groups, including Jews, who faced persecution in Europe. Today, Ukraine continues this tradition, building a society based on mutual respect and equality. However, tolerance does not mean supporting those who use religion or ideology to justify terrorism. Hamas, with its rhetoric of hatred and acts of violence, not only rejects the principles of peaceful coexistence but also poses a threat to the democratic values that Ukraine defends in its struggle against Russia.Furthermore, the cultural differences between Ukraine and the Palestinian movement make any form of empathy difficult. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is grounded in the ideals of national self-determination, democracy, and European integration. These values are part of our aspiration for modernization and progress, whereas radical Palestinian organizations like Hamas advocate for religious regression and authoritarian rule. For Ukrainians, who envision their future in a democratic world, supporting such movements is not only illogical but also morally alien. The Christian ethic that underpins Ukrainian culture calls for peace, but not at the expense of justice or capitulation to violence. In this sense, compassion for Palestinians, whose leaders choose terror and religious extremism, contradicts our spiritual heritage.

Nationalism, as an ideology, prioritizes the interests of one’s own people, their culture, statehood, and future. For Ukrainians, who are enduring the most challenging period of their modern history due to the war with Russia, this means that all our energy, resources, emotions, and intellectual efforts must be directed toward defending and rebuilding Ukraine. The Russian aggression, which began with the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of Donbas in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, has exhausted our country. Millions of Ukrainians have become refugees, thousands have lost their lives, and cities and villages have been devastated. In such conditions, the survival of the nation depends on our ability to focus on our own challenges, strengthening the military, supporting the economy, and rebuilding destroyed infrastructure. Empathy for Palestinians, whose issues have no direct connection to Ukrainian realities, is not only wasteful but also potentially dangerous, as it diverts attention from our primary tasks. In times of war, when each day brings new challenges, we cannot afford to squander our focus on conflicts that do not concern our existence.

The Palestinian issue, which is widely covered in international media, is often exploited to manipulate and distract attention from Ukrainian problems. Left-liberal narratives that promote compassion for Palestinians frequently downplay the significance of Ukraine’s struggle, equating it with conflicts that have entirely different historical, political, and moral contexts. For Ukrainians, this is unacceptable, as our fight against Russian imperialism is unique. Ukraine is not only defending its territorial integrity but also upholding democratic values, the right to self-determination, and a European future. Unlike the Palestinian movement, which is often associated with radical ideologies and terrorism, Ukraine’s struggle is grounded in principles of justice, freedom, and international law. Comparing these conflicts is not only superficial but also offensive to Ukrainians, who are paying the ultimate price for their independence.

Moreover, international attention to the Palestinian issue is often manipulated by anti-Western forces, particularly Russia, to advance their own narratives and weaken support for Ukraine. Russian propaganda actively exploits the theme of “Palestinian oppression” to divert the global community’s attention from the war crimes committed by the Kremlin in Ukraine. Such manipulations create informational noise in which Ukraine’s voice risks being drowned out. As Ukrainians fight for survival, every minute of international attention and every dollar of humanitarian or military aid is critically important. If we begin to expend our emotional or intellectual resources on compassion for Palestinians, we risk undermining our ability to convey the truth about Russian aggression to the world. For Ukrainians, who face missile strikes, the loss of loved ones, and the destruction of homes daily, this is a matter of national survival.Nationalism also teaches us that a nation’s resources—both material and spiritual—are limited, especially in times of war.

Every gesture of solidarity, every minute of public discourse, and every act of compassion must be directed toward those who share our struggle or directly contribute to our victory. The Palestinian movement, particularly its radical elements like Hamas, not only fails to support Ukraine but often collaborates with our enemies, such as Russia and Iran. While Israel, a Western ally, has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and technical assistance, Palestinian leaders have either remained silent or openly sympathized with Russia. In such conditions, empathy for Palestinians appears as a betrayal of those Ukrainians who sacrifice their lives on the frontlines to defend our freedom.Furthermore, supporting the Palestinian movement can have practical consequences that harm Ukrainian interests. First, it could weaken our relations with Israel and other Western allies, who view Hamas as a terrorist organization. At a time when Ukraine depends on international support, we cannot risk losing the trust of key partners for the sake of abstract compassion for a foreign conflict. Second, internal debates about the Palestinian issue could divide Ukrainian society, which is currently united around the common goal of defeating Russia. Nationalism calls on us to avoid such divisions, focusing on what strengthens our unity and advances our struggle. Third, any form of support for Palestinians could be exploited by Russian propaganda to create a false image of Ukraine as a supporter of terrorism, undermining our reputation on the global stage.