Sa’ar also thanked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his stance on Iran, adding that Israel damaged Iranian drone supply lines that produced drones for Russia to attack Ukraine, The Jpost informs.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha at the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry in Kyiv early on Wednesday. During their meeting, Sa’ar presented the Dinah report to Sybiha, which documented the sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7.
Prior to the meeting, the ministers visited the Memorial Wall for the Fallen, where Saar laid a wreath. They also visited the Holodomor Memorial.
The two ministers agreed that their two countries would initiate strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat. Following the meeting, they held a joint press conference.
Speaking of the visit to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia, Sa’ar said, «Ukraine has been at war with Russia for over three years. It is a brutal conflict that has claimed many lives. I know that the past few weeks have been especially painful. Ukraine has faced heavy attacks, with many civilians killed and injured.
That is why it was important for me to come to Kyiv now. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. We understand what it is like to be under attack – with our families, with our children.»
«We condemn Russia’s attacks on civilians. We call for a stable and sustainable peace that will ensure Ukraine’s security.»
He also spoke of Israel’s commitment to Ukraine and its people, stating, «We were the first country to open a field hospital in Ukraine. We have sent 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 by Russian bombings. This will be implemented shortly. We have sent experts to assist with post-traumatic and resilience efforts. We have provided medical treatment to injured Ukrainians in Israel. Israel stands with Ukraine and its people.»
Sa’ar discusses mutual Iranian threat, Middle East developments
Sa’ar also addressed regional developments in the Middle East, specifically the war with Iran.
«During Operation Rising Lion, Israel dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear program. In cooperation with the US, we destroyed its nuclear infrastructure, killed those responsible for its advancement, and set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years.
We inflicted significant damage to its ballistic missile program and destroyed its air defense systems, allowing our air force to operate freely in Iranian skies. We also struck Iran’s drone supply lines—the same technology being used against Ukraine.»
«We cannot allow Iran to continue its nuclear ambitions. We cannot allow it to support terrorism. The international community must act decisively against Iran. I call on the E3 countries—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—to trigger the snapback mechanism now!»
«I thank President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and the Ukrainian government for their stance that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. I thank you for the presidential decree imposing sanctions on Iranian individuals. And I thank you, Foreign Minister, for your condemnations of Iran and your support for our actions, alongside the US, against Iran’s nuclear program.»
Sa’ar thanked the Ukrainian government for designating the pilgrimage site in Uman, the resting place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, as a heritage site.
«Both Ukraine and Israel are going through difficult times, but our nations are strong, and our friendship is solid. We will continue to deepen our ties and support one another. Thank you for your hospitality. 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.»
