Israeli foreign minister visits Ukraine for first time Russian invasion

Jerusalem, Feb 16 (EFE).- Israel’s top diplomat Eli Cohen arrived in Kyiv Thursday in what was a first visit to Ukraine by a high-level Israeli official since Russia launched its invasion almost a year ago.

During his stay, Cohen will meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as announce the official reopening of the Israeli embassy during a ceremony.

“I have now arrived in Kyiv for the first visit of an Israeli minister to Ukraine since the beginning of the war,” Cohen wrote on Twitter.

The Israeli foreign minister flew to Kyiv after a one-day visit to Turkey in the wake of last week’s two devastating earthquakes that left more than 40,000 people dead.

Israel has joined its Western allies in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expressing support to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but has not imposed sanctions on Moscow or sent weapons to Kyiv.

For years, Russia has allowed Israel to strike Iranian-backed military targets in Syria, something that Israel does not want to jeopardize.

Zelenskyy, who has Jewish roots, has repeatedly criticized not receiving the requested weapons from Israel, especially the advanced Iron Dome anti-missile system.

Israel, meanwhile, has lately expressed concerns over Russia’s use of drones manufactured by Iran, Israel’s arch-rival, in its military activities in Ukraine.EFE

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