Sa’ar: Israel backs Ukraine, urges global action on Iran

Israel’s foreign minister condemns Russia’s strikes on civilians, pledges continued support for Kyiv, and calls for tough action on Iran.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday for a show of solidarity, condemning Russia’s “brutal” war, pledging humanitarian support, and calling for international pressure against Iran.

Sa’ar met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in Kyiv, where the two discussed deepening cooperation and regional threats, particularly from Iran, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

In a joint press conference, Sa’ar said it was important to stand with Ukraine during this difficult time.

“Ukraine has been at war with Russia for over three years. It is a brutal conflict that has claimed many lives,” Sa’ar said.

“We condemn Russia’s attacks on civilians. We call for a stable and sustainable peace that will ensure Ukraine’s security.”

He added, “We understand what it is like to be under attack—with our families, with our children. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones.”

Sa’ar’s visit began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Wall for the Fallen and a stop at the Holodomor Memorial.

During his meeting with Sybiha, he also presented the Dinah report, which documents the sexual violence committed by Hamas during the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.

The two ministers agreed to initiate a strategic dialogue on countering the Iranian threat.

Sa’ar praised Ukraine for its support in efforts to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions, thanking President Volodymyr Zelensky for imposing sanctions on Iranian individuals.

“I thank you…for your condemnations of Iran and your support for our actions, alongside the US, against Iran’s nuclear program,” he said.

Referring to Israel’s own recent military operation, Sa’ar said that during Operation Rising Lion, “Israel dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear program,” destroying infrastructure and striking drone and missile supply lines.

He emphasized that some of the Iranian-made drones used by Russia in Ukraine were targeted in those operations.

“We cannot allow Iran to continue its nuclear ambitions,” he said. “I call on the E3 countries—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—to trigger the snapback mechanism now.”

Sa’ar also highlighted Israel’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including medical treatment for injured civilians, trauma support, mobile water purification systems, and the first foreign field hospital set up during the war.

“We have sent generators, food, water, and winter equipment. Israel stands with Ukraine and its people,” he said.

The foreign minister also thanked the Ukrainian government for recognizing the pilgrimage site in Uman—where Rabbi Nachman of Breslov is buried—as a heritage site.

“Both Ukraine and Israel are going through difficult times, but our nations are strong, and our friendship is solid,” Sa’ar said.

“I look forward to building a better future for our children. I invite you and hope to host you soon in Jerusalem, our eternal capital.”

Gideon Saariran nuclear programIsrael-Ukraine relationsKyivRussia