Saar in Ukraine: "We condemn Russia's attacks against civilians"

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met today (Wednesday) with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, as part of his political visit to Kyiv. During their meeting, among other things, Saar presented the Ukrainian Foreign Minister with the 'Dina' report, which presents the acts of sexual violence carried out by Hamas on October 7th. Additionally, in the meeting the two agreed to hold a strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat.

At the end of the meeting, Saar delivered a statement to the media in which he condemned Russia's attacks in the country – after years in which Israeli officials refrained from expressing a position regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia. "Ukraine has been at war with Russia for more than three years. This is a cruel war that has claimed many lives," Saar said. "I know that recent weeks have been very painful. You experienced heavy attacks, many civilians were killed and wounded. Therefore it was important for me to come to Kyiv now. My heart is with the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers are with the wounded. We know what it's like to be under attack – with family, with children."

"We condemn Russia's attacks against civilians. We call for stable and sustainable peace that will ensure Ukraine's security," he added and clarified. "Israel is committed to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We were the first country to open a field hospital in Ukraine. We transferred generators, food, water and winter equipment. Two weeks ago I instructed my ministry to provide mobile water purification systems to eastern Ukraine, after its water infrastructure was damaged in Russian bombings. This will be implemented very soon. We sent experts to help deal with post-trauma and resilience. We provided medical treatment in Israel for wounded Ukrainians. Israel stands alongside Ukraine and the Ukrainian people."

"Iran must not be allowed to continue its nuclear aspirations"

Saar continued and addressed the threat from Iran, which is a close ally of Russia. "In Operation 'Swords of Iron', Israel severely damaged the Iranian nuclear project. We also hit Iran's drone supply – the same technology being used against Ukraine," he said. "Iran must not be allowed to continue its nuclear aspirations. It must not be allowed to continue supporting terrorism. The international community must act decisively against Iran. I call on the E3 countries – Germany, France and Britain – to activate the snapback now!"

"I thank President Zelensky and the Ukrainian government for their position that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. I thank you for the presidential decree imposing sanctions on Iranian figures," he added. "And I thank you, Foreign Minister, for the condemnations of Iran and the support for our action, together with the US, against Iran's nuclear program."

"I want to thank you for approving the site in Uman, the resting place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, as a heritage site. Both Ukraine and Israel are going through difficult days – but our countries are strong, and the friendship between us is brave. We will continue to deepen it and support each other," Saar concluded. "I thank you for the hospitality. I look forward to building a better future for our children. And I invite you and hope soon to host you in Jerusalem, our eternal capital."