Change of attitude: Foreign Minister Cohen landed in Ukraine - and will meet with Zelensky Israel today

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrived in Kiev this morning (Thursday), as part of a visit of support and identification with the Ukrainian people.

This is the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine a year ago, that an Israeli minister arrives in the capital of Ukraine.

The meaning of his arrival is a message that Israel is taking a clearer position in favor of Ukraine in the conflict, this in contrast to the neutral line taken by the Netanyahu and Lapid-Bent governments, until today.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, photo: AFP

During the visit, which will last one day, Minister Cohen is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his counterpart Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kolba.

The minister is expected to reopen the Israeli embassy in Kyiv for continuous activity and will visit, among other places, Babi Yar and Bocha.

In addition, he is expected to announce additional aid measures towards Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen: "I arrived today for the first visit of an Israeli minister to Kiev since the outbreak of hostilities. In the past year, Israel has stood by the Ukrainian people and by the side of Ukraine. Today we will raise the Israeli flag at the Israeli embassy in Kiev, which will return to continuous activity with the aim of strengthening relations between the countries."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kolba, photo: Reuters

Before the Israeli official's arrival in the country, Ukrainian officials conveyed a message that they expect Cohen to bring with him actual aid components, and not just words of support.

Cohen's entourage is preparing against this background also for criticism of Israel by Zelensky and his people during the visit.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine congratulated Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on his arrival in Ukraine, and "hopes that this will signal the strengthening of relations between Jerusalem and Kyiv in the new government".

The chairman of the federation Rabbi Meir Stambler will welcome the minister and discuss with him the needs of the Jewish community in the country and the help required from Israel at this time for the benefit of the Jewish community.

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