‘Does protective gear kill?’: Ukraine envoy laments Israeli refusal to provide military aid

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk tells the Kan public broadcaster that he understands that Israel might not be able to provide Ukraine with weapons due to its need to maintain working ties with Russia. However, Korniychuk asks why Israel can’t at least send military protective gear, which Ukraine needs right now much more than the humanitarian shipments Israel has agreed to send.

“Can you kill with personal protection?” Korniychuk asks. “That could save the people’s lives. We’re not talking about military. They all need the self-protection.”

Other countries, such as Japan, have announced that they are sending Ukraine military vests and helmets, as Israel remains on the fence.

“Our government believes that as a partner and a friend, you can do more,” Korniychuk says.

He says the donations already made by Israeli civilians is appreciated, but that from the perspective of those in Kyiv who don’t see the limits to Israel’s ability to act from up close, there is disappointment towards Jerusalem.

The envoy acknowledges that Israeli efforts to mediate between the sides have yet to bear fruit.