- September 19, 2024
- 1:16 pm
- Ukraine
In the matter of cooperation and development of relations with the State of Israel, Ukraine is primarily interested in the exchange of technologies that will help save the lives of civilians and repel Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, stated this in an interview with the publication Times of Israel.
Korniychuk emphasized that Ukraine is interested in developing relations with Israel primarily to exchange technologies that will help save the lives of civilians and effectively counter Russian aggression. He explained that despite the protracted conflict, Ukraine continues to actively seek ways to improve its defense and the protection of its population.
Discussing the current state of the war, the ambassador noted that The conflict has been going on for more than two and a half years and there has been no significant change in the behavior of the Russian invaders. Russian troops continue to strive to seize as much Ukrainian territory as possible. Initially, the goal of the aggression was to capture Kyiv and change the leadership of Ukraine. At the beginning of the conflict, some international observers believed that Ukraine would not be able to hold out for more than two weeks, but the country managed to put up a staunch resistance.
Russia's second goal is to move as many citizens as possible from Ukraine. This is achieved through regular shelling and the use of a variety of weapons, including Iranian drones and missiles, as well as missiles supplied by Iran. Korniychuk expressed concern about possible attacks on civilian infrastructure and said that Ukraine is preparing for winter to protect its citizens.
Humanitarian consequences of the conflict are also a serious problem. According to various sources, the number of refugees from Ukraine varies from 5 to 6.5 million people. Many of them have returned to the country or moved to safer regions, such as Lviv, which has become a magnet for businesses and residents of eastern Ukraine.
Korniychuk also described the recent attacks on Kyivwhich resulted in destruction and damage in residential areas during the night attack. He noted that although the attack did not achieve its targets, debris fell on residential areas, increasing the danger to citizens.
In a conversation about the military situation, the ambassador emphasized that Ukraine has made significant progress in missile and drone defensewhich has greatly improved its ability to defend itself. He cited the example of Iranian drones such as the Shahed, which have been successfully neutralized thanks to improved technology.
Korniychuk also noted the connection between the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israelemphasizing that Iran poses a common threat to both countries. He mentioned that Russia actively supports Hezbollah and other opponents of Israelwhich is confirmed by joint actions and propaganda aimed at discrediting Israeli military actions.
He also touched on the topic international relations and exchangesnoting that Russia is attracting Iranian proxies and working with various hostile forces, which also affects the situation in Ukraine.
Korniychuk expressed his opinionthat “Iran and Russia are common enemies,” pointing to their cooperation and common threats. He stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with Israel and other partners to combat common threats and defend their countries.
Relations between Ukraine and Israel
The ambassador noted that Israeli aid could be more significantdespite the fact that Israel is not a NATO member and does not seek to provide direct military assistance to Ukraine. According to Korniychuk, even if Israel provided all the necessary weapons, this would not change the situation on the frontline dramatically. Israel is a relatively small territory, and even full military cooperation could not completely change the situation on the ground. However, an important aspect is technology exchange. Korniychuk emphasized that Ukraine is interested in cooperation with Israel on issues of preventing and neutralizing missile attacks, as well as in mastering technologies to combat drones and missiles. This is especially relevant in conditions when Russia may try to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure before winter.
Prospects for Ukraine's integration into NATO and the EU
Korniychuk pointed out that in the early 1990s, Ukraine could have become part of NATO and the EU faster if it were not for its dependence on cheap Russian gas and the influence of Russian propaganda. Currently, Ukraine has received an offer to join the EU and has begun negotiations on joining NATO. However, the process is slower than expected. “This is not due to Ukraine's actions, but rather to NATO's reluctance to accept a country involved in a conflict with a nuclear power such as Russia,” the ambassador noted. He also added that Ukraine's possibility of NATO membership may depend on the willingness of member states to accept Ukraine, including the territories temporarily occupied by Russia. At the moment, about 27% of Ukraine's territory is under Russian control, which creates uncertainty about the issue of the complete liberation of the territories.
Assessment of the military situation and resources
Korniychuk indicated that the outcome of the conflict depends on the goals that Ukraine sets for itself. He noted that Ukraine should request the full range of necessary weapons from the United States and NATO allies. In his opinion, Ukraine has already achieved some successes, such as the liberation of significant territories in Kharkiv and Kherson, but there is still a shortage of ammunition and technology to conduct offensive operations. He emphasized the need not only for protection from attacks, but also for proactive actions aimed at neutralizing the threat on Russian territory. Korniychuk noted that this will help change the perception of the conflict in Russia, where many consider it a limited operation.
Influence on domestic politics and government
Discussing internal changes in the Ukrainian government, Korniychuk noted that the government changes in wartime conditionswhich allows the Ukrainian President to change the government at his discretion. He mentioned recent changes, such as the replacement of the chief of staff, and indicated that the successor, General Valeriy Zaluzhny, is now ambassador to London. Korniychuk also noted that the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections can only take place after the end of the war.
Main message
Korniychuk concluded that It is necessary to recognize the interconnectedness of the conflicts in Israel and Ukraineemphasizing that both countries face common threats and allies. “We must continue to cooperate to achieve victory and protect our democracies and the lives of our citizens,” he noted. In his opinion, joint efforts and support from the international community play a key role in ensuring security and stability in both Israel and Ukraine.
These details provide a comprehensive view of the current challenges and prospects in relations between Ukraine and Israel, as well as in the context of the global conflict.
