Zelensky says Israel should back Ukraine, not take mediator position - report

Israel must choose a side in the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday, according to a report.

“For a very long time I was looking for support from Israel. I didn’t want Israel to be in the position of a mediator, I wanted them to choose Ukraine’s side,” N12 quoted Zelensky as saying. “It was difficult. Israel is in a complex situation vis-à-vis Russia in the Iranian and Syrian context.”

Zelensky made the comment at a press conference on the first anniversary of the invasion.

“I sought support not only from the population but also from the political leadership. It was really important to me, both personally and historically,” he said. “Ukraine has good relations with Israel.”

When asked about Israeli actions against Iran and Iranian aid to Russia, Zelensky said he “has an answer – but cannot say it so as not to risk harming relations between Ukraine and Israel, which are improving.”

Zelensky praised his country’s troops and said he plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but reiterated that he would not hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen

Zelensky’s remarks come a week and a half after he met with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Kyiv. The two discussed military aid to Ukraine and the Iranian threat.

Zelensky requested that Israel provide Ukraine with air defense, but Cohen replied that for now Israel’s policy will not change.