- December 12, 2025
- 1:15 pm
- Israel, Ukraine
“After years of dissatisfaction with Jerusalem’s position on the war with Russia, Ukraine is changing its stance and beginning to show more sympathy towards Israel, viewing it as a model for overcoming pressure from the US, which demands peace with a defiant enemy“, the article begins.
On December 11, 2025, an analytical article (in English) by journalist Lazar Berman was published in The Times of Israel, in which he examines in detail how, in his opinion, “Ukraine is trying to restart and deepen relations with Israel amid the war with Russia, pressure from the US, and the common threat from Iran”.
The material is based on an interview with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka for The Times of Israel — during his visit, the highest-level visit by a Ukrainian official since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Quote:
“Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit Israel since the Russian invasion in 2022, stated that bilateral relations are improving, but tensions around Russia remain”.
Voting at the UN and political rapprochement
One of the important signals highlighted by Lazar Berman was Kachka’s statement about Ukraine’s intention to vote more often with Israel on international platforms, including the United Nations.
“We have more and more topics on which we have mutual understanding. I think there will be more mutual understanding in voting matters as well,” Kachka said.
This thesis seems particularly significant against the backdrop of past disagreements between Kyiv and Jerusalem in international organizations.
Warming after the fall of the Assad regime
The article emphasizes that moderate warming of Ukrainian-Israeli relations began after the fall of the Russia-allied Bashar Assad regime in Syria last year.
With the disappearance of previous constraints related to Russian influence in Syria, the dialogue between Kyiv and Jerusalem has become more open. According to the author, this warming is not just maintained but expanded.
Iran as a common threat
Kachka repeatedly emphasized that Iran is a key factor in the rapprochement between Ukraine and Israel.
“Iran supports our enemy and supports aggression. Therefore, it is important for us to understand how we can jointly oppose it and how we can coordinate our efforts,” he said.
According to him, bilateral cooperation with Israel is of “paramount importance” for Ukraine, and Iran’s support for Russia is “absolutely unacceptable”.
Tensions between leaders remain
Despite positive signals, Berman directly points out: serious difficulties remain in the relations. In particular, there is still no stable mutual understanding between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Almost a year has passed since the two leaders last spoke on the phone — in January.
However, Kachka insists that the topic of a personal meeting remains relevant:
“I think there is interest in a meeting. I don’t know if it is planned or not, but we constantly keep it in sight. We discuss it, as with all the ministers we have met.”
Trump, peace initiatives, and US pressure
A separate section of the article is devoted to the role of Donald Trump. Kachka emphasizes that Ukraine generally supports US efforts to find a peaceful settlement but is wary of demands for territorial concessions to Russia.
“We are glad that there is a constructive dialogue between Ukraine and the United States. But the main problem lies with Russia itself, because Russia is aggressive and can stop this aggression at any moment. Therefore, it is important to increase pressure on Russia.”
He also hinted that Israel could share its experience of dealing with American pressure, including pressure from Trump himself.
“The closest example is Israel and the history of your settlements with neighbors. Since Israel and the US have very strong relations, the Israeli government can provide recommendations on what might be appropriate.”
No territorial concessions
On the issue of recognizing Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, Kachka was categorical:
“We will never give up territory. I think this is absolutely clear, and for Israelis, this is a key issue. We are not going to give up anything that belongs to Ukraine.”
He drew a direct parallel between Ukraine and Israel, pointing out that even with possible agreements, the threat from aggressors does not disappear.
“A peace agreement must recognize that Russia will not cease to be an aggressor. Just as with Israel.”
Security guarantees and a strong army
Kachka emphasizes that Ukraine, like Israel, needs real security guarantees, including the ability to maintain a strong and capable army capable of deterring the enemy.
The Jewish community of Ukraine: past and future
A separate part of the article is devoted to Jewish life in Ukraine. Berman reminds that Ukrainian Jewry has managed to develop despite crises — from the Orange Revolution to the annexation of Crimea.
In recent decades, dozens of synagogues, mikvahs, schools, and kindergartens have opened in the country. However, the war forced thousands of Jews to leave the country, many of whom moved to Israel.
Nevertheless, Kachka looks to the future with cautious optimism:
“There are more Jews, more Jewish communities, and synagogues in Ukraine than in any of our neighbors. We have many politicians of Jewish origin and many Israeli politicians of Ukrainian origin.”
He emphasized that the threat to everyone — Ukrainians, Jews, and other peoples — today comes from Russian missiles and Russian soldiers.
Conclusions from NAnovosti
The article in The Times of Israel reflects not a change in Ukraine’s course, but a gradual evolution of the dialogue between Kyiv and Jerusalem in the context of a protracted war and changing international circumstances. Ukraine initially acted in the logic of defending its own survival, appealing to the values and solidarity of partners, which was natural at the moment of crisis.
The current statements presented by Lazar Berman show a clarification of this position, not a rejection of it. Kyiv continues to firmly defend territorial integrity and the need to pressure Russia, while simultaneously emphasizing the alignment of interests and threats, primarily related to Iran.
This is not about adjustment due to mistakes, but about normal diplomatic adaptation. Ukraine and Israel operate under different strategic conditions, which objectively limits the depth of cooperation but does not exclude pragmatic dialogue.
The willingness to coordinate on international platforms, including the UN, should be seen as a political intention, not as a guaranteed alignment of positions. Meanwhile, the lack of direct contact between leaders remains a restraining factor, compensated by active work at the government level.
Overall, the material records the interaction of two states under pressure and forced to talk to each other without illusions and without romanticizing.
NAnovosti — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency will continue to analyze how Ukrainian-Israeli interaction changes under conditions of war, pressure, and the common threat from Iran.