Ukraine’s Zelensky says he expected more support from Bennett amid Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tells an Israeli news site that he expected greater support from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I saw a nice picture of Jews covered in Ukrainian flags near the Western Wall. They prayed and I thank them for that,” Zelensky is quoted as saying by the Ynet news site. “We have good relations with the Israeli leadership, but things are tested in a time of trouble. I didn’t feel that the Israeli prime minister was covered in our flag.”

Zelensky makes the remarks during a press conference in Kyiv.

Bennett has refrained from condemning Russia over its offensive in Ukraine in an apparent bid to maintain Israel’s ability to operate against Iranian proxies in Syria, where Russia controls the skies. He spoken twice with both Zelensky and Putin since the invasion began and has offered to mediate between the sides, in line with a request from the Ukrainian leader.

Ukraine has asked Israel to provide military assistance, a request Jerusalem has not granted.