Ukraine is grateful to Israel for its efforts to stop Russian aggression against the Ukrainian state and help Ukrainian refugees, but appeals for personal protective equipment for Ukrainian servicemen - helmets and body armor. Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgeny Korniychuk told Israeli journalists in Tel Aviv.
"I do not know why people are afraid to provide protective equipment. Is it a weapon? It can be done simply. I hope that the Israeli government will be able to provide us with at least things that will help save the lives of Ukrainians. We have long been negotiating with the Israeli government about ammunition, equipment and means of self-defense, including helmets and body armor, but so far we have not come to an agreement," he said.
Yevhen Korniychuk stressed that Ukraine appreciates the fact that the Israeli prime minister visited Moscow to negotiate an end to Russian aggression.
"We appreciate it and hope that all efforts will end the bloodshed. For us now, this is genocide, not much different from your situation during the 1973 Doomsday War. Unfortunately, we're dealing with a much stronger enemy and a much higher death toll, so thank you for your mediation efforts," he said.
The head of the diplomatic mission also thanked the Israeli side for humanitarian and medical aid to the affected Ukrainians and the intention to establish a field hospital in Ukraine.
"We are fighting for our independence and will do so until we are free," Yevgeniy Korniychuk said.
