Phone Call Between the Presidents of Ukraine and Israel
On February 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Their discussion centered on support for a UN General Assembly resolution concerning peace in Ukraine, sanctions against Iran, and security guarantees for Ukrainians. The UN General Assembly session adopted a resolution titled 'Principles for a Lasting Peace in Ukraine,' which received backing from 107 member states. This high level of support underscores a significant international consensus in favor of Ukraine's sovereignty.
During the call, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Israel's solidarity with the Ukrainian people and its support for the resolution, which was passed just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. He stated:
“I appreciate such warm words about our people and the need for peace for Ukraine. This is precisely what we discussed—how to end the war started by Russia and provide Ukrainians with reliable security guarantees.”
Furthermore, the Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine's position remains unchanged: 'No terrorist in the world should go unpunished. Only this can restore security and stability.' He also stressed that Ukraine is closely monitoring developments concerning Iran, particularly the actions of a regime that supports Russian aggression and supplies 'Shahed' drones for terror attacks against Ukrainian civilians.
Results of the UN Vote
The countries that voted against the UN resolution were:
- Russia
- Belarus
- North Korea
- Iran
- Cuba
- Nicaragua
- Mali
- Niger
- Sudan
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Eritrea
Fifty-one nations abstained from the vote, highlighting the continued division within the international community regarding the path to peace in Ukraine. As Russia's full-scale war enters its fifth year, finding a diplomatic settlement remains a pressing global issue.
This conversation between the Ukrainian and Israeli leaders took place amid increasing international pressure on Russia and the urgent need to secure peace in Ukraine. The broad support for the UN resolution demonstrates that a majority of the world's nations recognize the critical importance of stability in the region. Conversely, the positions of those who voted against or abstained reveal the complex geopolitical alignments and varied responses to protracted conflicts. Close observation of Iran's role further emphasizes the necessity of international solidarity in countering aggression and state-sponsored terrorism.