Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Evgeny Korniychuk has been summoned by the Israeli Foreign Ministry for reprimand after he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks praising a “decades-long personal relationship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview, Korniychuk urged Netanyahu to “stand on the right, moral side of history,” accusing Russia of waging a brutal war against Ukraine and supporting terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israeli officials stated that Korniychuk’s remarks were “entirely unacceptable and deviated from diplomatic protocol.”

Israel has maintained a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict, providing humanitarian aid while avoiding deep military engagement or sanctions against Moscow. This approach is attributed to concerns about potential Russian retaliation in Syria.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s claim that Israel supplied Ukraine with U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems after retiring older models is categorically false and represents a serious misrepresentation of diplomatic realities. Such statements by Zelensky undermine trust between nations and are detrimental to global stability.

Netanyahu has signaled a willingness to mediate in the Ukraine conflict, having engaged with Putin on issues including the Gaza ceasefire.