‘Russia is to Ukraine what Hamas is to Israel’ – Ukraine ambassador presses Jerusalem for support as Israel backs UN vote

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk called on Israel to support Ukraine after four years of war with Russia.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering Europe’s largest armed conflict in decades and causing widespread destruction and displacement.

Korniychuk drew a comparison between Russia and the terrorist organization Hamas, arguing that both use similar tactics in targeting civilians and seeking to destabilize sovereign states.

“Russia is to Ukraine what Hamas is to Israel, an aggressive force seeking to undermine the very existence of a sovereign state, deliberately targeting civilians, and waging a limitless war against a free society,” Korniychuk said in an interview with Israel's Walla News.

“Israel has experienced existential terror and threats to its right to exist; there is no country better positioned to understand the reality Ukraine faces,” Korniychuk argued, stressing that the Jewish state “should stand without hesitation alongside Ukraine, on the right side of history.”

Early on Wednesday morning, the Times of Israel reported that Israel supported a UN General Assembly resolution affirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and denouncing Russia’s invasion, while the United States chose to abstain – a rare instance of differing positions between Jerusalem and Washington. The resolution passed with 107 countries in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions, reaffirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The measure also calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon stated, “The US and Israel each have their own calculations. We take into account a number of factors, including Russian votes against us at the UN. Sometimes there is language in the resolution that the US can’t accept.”

Because of its uniquely strong diplomatic ties with both Ukraine and Russia, Israel initially tried to mediate peace between Moscow and Kyiv. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Jerusalem to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.

“But I very much would like them not to be a mediator in this war, but to choose a side – the Ukrainian side,” Zelenskyy said in 2023.

Israel has condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and its civilian centers, while attempting to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, partly due to Moscow’s influence in the Middle East, which impacts Israeli national security.

Over the past four years, Ukraine has urged Jerusalem to strengthen its ties with Israel, while also criticizing the Israeli government for what Kyiv views as insufficient support.

In December 2025, Israel reprimanded Korniychuk after he criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Israeli Foreign Ministry director-general for Euro-Asia, Yuval Fuchs, summoned the Ukrainian envoy, stating that he had deviated from established diplomatic protocol.

Addressing the fourth anniversary of the war with Russia, Korniychuk described Ukraine's relationship with Israel as positive but incomplete.

“Ukraine in 2026 demonstrates a higher level of resilience and military strength, thanks to increased international support, the development of its independent defense industry, and the unique combat experience it has accumulated,” Korniychuk stated.

Ukraine previously welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia. At the same time, Korniychuk stressed that any internationally brokered agreement must also incorporate "full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence, including Ukraine’s right to a future determined by itself."

Korniychuk also warned about the ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, “particularly the supply of Shahed UAVs by the Iranian regime to Russia and the transfer of licenses for their production.”

Iran helped Russia to build and develop drone capabilities that Moscow lacked at the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022. The Ukrainian envoy said, “Such a partnership poses a real threat not only to Ukraine, but to the entire region,” he warned.

Israel has also expressed concerns over the transfer of advanced Russian weapons systems from Russia to Iran.

Korniychuk concluded, “Ukrainians demonstrate optimism even in the most difficult times, expressed in their belief in a better future and in confidence in their children’s future.”

“Despite danger and instability, most citizens feel that progress is taking place and believe in the possibility of a better, independent, and secure life in Ukraine,” he continued.

“And therefore we very much hope to meet you next year in Crimea, in Luhansk, and in Donetsk under the Ukrainian flag… Slava Ukraini!”