Is Zelensky Onboard With Ukraine's Anti-Israel Vote at the UN?

On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted 98-17 to ask the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the legality of Israel's so-called occupation of Palestinian territories. 

Among the 98 countries which voted in favor of this resolution is Ukraine. There have been ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Israel over Israel's refusal to provide military aid. Israel cooperates with the Russian military where it concerns Iranian involvement in Syria. 

Ukraine's vote can be viewed as retaliation against Israel for refusing to provide military support notwithstanding its ongoing humanitarian aid. Michael Brodsky, Israel's Ambassador to Ukraine, blasted the decision stating, "Supporting anti-Israeli initiatives in the UN doesn’t help to build trust."

Yet it would appear there is discord between the office of President Zelensky and Ukraine's foreign ministry. Today, Alexey Arestovych, one of the Zelensky's top aides, denounced the vote on a livestream calling it "a grave mistake." Arestovych added:

Ukraine’s foreign ministry’s position was illogical and unacceptable. We’re teaming up with Russia and Iran who are attacking us, and distancing ourselves from Israel — which we want as an ally. Ukraine must at least abstain from such votes.

Unless Arestovych is going into business for himself, one must suspect that this view is shared by President Zelensky himself. With that said, having daylight between the office of the President and Ukrainian Foreign Ministry could be a fissure which Russia could exploit. 

I can understand Ukraine being upset with Israel for not providing it with military aid. But in voting for this referral to the ICJ Ukraine not only is voting with Russia but is doing its bidding even if unintentionally.