Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky called on Israel on Sunday to “make a decision” and support Ukraine once morest Russia, in a videoconference speech to members of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
“Ukraine made its choice 80 years ago and we have Righteous who hid the Jews. It is time for Israel to make a decision…indifference kills,” said Zelensky, who is of Jewish origin, in a speech in Ukrainian translated into Hebrew.
“It is possible to mediate between countries, but not between good and evil,” he added.
Israel has so far taken a cautious stance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, citing special ties with the two countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attempted to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, traveling to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly following the invasion began and having several telephone conversations with Zelensky.
“We wonder why Israel doesn’t give us weapons and why it doesn’t impose sanctions on Russia,” Zelensky said.
According to Israeli media, Bennett has turned down several requests for military aid from kyiv. (I)
