President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking on Monday via video link at the Haaretz Democratic Summit, called on Israel to decide who it is with: the democratic world or those who turn a blind eye to Russian terror.
"Isn't it time for your state to choose - who are you with? Either with the democratic world, which is fighting side by side against an existential threat to its existence, or with those who close their eyes to Russian terror even when the price of continued terror is complete destruction global security?" - Zelenskiy asked the forum participants.
In his address, the head of state recalled the numerous Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities with the help of Iranian drones.
According to Zelenskiy, during the 8 months of full-scale war, Russia has used about 4,500 missiles against Ukraine, and their stockpile of missiles is decreasing.
"That's why Russia went looking for available weapons in other countries to continue terror. It found them in Iran," he said.
At the same time, he suggested that Russia in return could help Iran in the implementation of its nuclear program.
"I have a question for you - what do you think, and what is Russia paying Iran for this? Is Iran just interested in money? Probably not money at all, but Russian assistance to Iran's nuclear program. This is probably the meaning of their alliance," he added he.
The President noted that "every time Russian missile and drone terror is discussed in Ukraine at meetings of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, we (members of the Headquarters) also talk about our partners who are already helping or can help protect the sky."
At the same time, he emphasized that, unfortunately, "the words - Israel, Israel - at the same time do not sound."
"Of course, this is the decision of your state, your governments. It seems that it was made a long time ago - in 2014, when Russia began aggression against Ukraine. The decision "not to annoy" the Kremlin, not to help Ukraine is real," he said, noting that Since 2014, Ukraine has been asking Israel for help.
According to Zelenskiy, "if Ukraine could immediately secure its skies, faced with a missile and drone threat, Russia would not have a motive now to go to Iran and offer it something in exchange for assistance in terror."
"And I believe that this alliance of theirs can still be rendered meaningless if we act together - we are with you in the same way as with other democracies," the president said.
At the same time, the head of the Ukrainian state thanked Israel for medical aid to Ukraine and for the support of the Israeli people. At the same time, he expressed hope that Ukraine will receive support from Israel in closing the sky from Russian air attacks.
Zelenskiy was awarded the Haaretz Democracy Award for "leadership in the global battle for democracy against tyranny."