Zelensky Calls for Stronger Israel-Ukraine Ties Amid Iranian Threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger ties between Israel and Ukraine during a meeting with an Israeli delegation in Kyiv on Tuesday, pointing to the Iranian threat faced by both countries.

The Israeli delegation, headed by Minister Ze'ev Elkin, traveled to Ukraine to participate in events marking the 85th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre.

During his meeting with Elkin, Zelensky discussed Iran's role in supplying Russia with drone technology and the broader situation in the Middle East.

"Iran provided Russia with the technology to produce these jet-powered 'Shaheeds,' and it has used essentially the same kind of weapon to attack Israel," Zelensky said.

He added that closer cooperation between Jerusalem and Kyiv could strengthen the security of both countries.

"Strong relations between Ukraine and Israel could certainly contribute to our shared security," Zelensky said.

Later, Zelensky and members of the foreign delegations attended a memorial ceremony at the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve. The Ukrainian president lit a memorial candle at the site's Menorah monument.

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan participated in the ceremony along with German Education and Family Affairs Minister Karin Prien. Also present were representatives of foreign governments, Jewish organizations and diplomatic missions.

Babyn Yar was the site of one of the largest mass shootings of Jews during the Holocaust. More than 33,000 Jews were murdered there by Nazi forces and their collaborators over two days in September 1941.

Dayan urged those attending the ceremony to preserve the memory of the victims and remember the lessons of the Holocaust.

"These lessons can help us recognize the consequences of dehumanization, aggression, indifference and hatred," he said.