US said satisfied with Israeli statement expressing concern regarding Ukraine

The Biden administration has passed along messages to Jerusalem expressing its satisfaction with the statement Israel issued in response to the latest developments in Ukraine, Army Radio reports.

Earlier today, Israel broke its diplomatic silence held since Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the separatist republics in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.

Being one of only a few countries to maintain close relations with both Russia and Ukraine, Israel has sought to avoid aligning itself too closely with either side, despite Putin’s threats to invade a sovereign country. The stance has angered Ukraine, which says it expected more solidarity from Israel during its time of need.

But Putin’s Monday announcement on Ukraine ultimately left Israel with no choice.

“Israel shares the concern of the international community regarding the steps taken in eastern Ukraine and the serious escalation in the situation,” the Foreign Ministry says in a statement, which carefully avoids mentioning either “Putin” or even “Russia.”