According to sources cited by the Israeli news outlet Ynet on October 16, Israel rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s request for a solidarity visit following Hamas’ attack, explaining that the timing was not appropriate. However, Zelensky was informed that a visit might be feasible at a later date.
Reportedly, Zelensky had hoped to accompany U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on this visit. Blinken had returned to Israel on October 16 to reassure Tel Aviv of Washington’s support during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Previously, Ukraine’s leader condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 and expressed solidarity with Tel Aviv, stating on his Telegram channel, “Whoever uses terror is a criminal against the whole world. Whoever sponsors terrorism is a criminal against the whole world.”
While Israel has shown support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and provided humanitarian aid, it has refrained from supplying military assistance, likely to avoid provoking Russia, which maintains a significant military presence in nearby Syria.
