Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned Israel on Monday against delivering arms to Ukraine, saying that would “destroy” the relationship with Russia.
"Israel seems to be preparing to deliver weapons to the Kyiv regime. This is a very reckless step. It will destroy all relations between our countries,” Medvedev, who is the deputy head of Russia's Security Council, said on his Telegram account.
He renewed the groundless accusations of “Nazism” against Ukraine, one of the pretexts put forward by Moscow to justify its unprovoked and illegal assault on its neighbour. Asked about this, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid told French news agency AFP that his office would not comment on Medvedev’s remarks.
Kyiv has in the past called on Israel to support it against Russia. However, the Israeli authorities have limited their cooperation with Ukraine to humanitarian aid and deliveries of non-lethal material in order to maintain their close relations with Moscow.
Israel has nevertheless become a haven for Kremlin critics, and even Russian celebrities have moved there since the 24 February Russian offensive against Ukraine.
At the EU-Israel Association Council meeting on 3 October, the EU welcomed "Israel’s assistance to Ukraine and its citizens, including the supply of defensive military equipment and humanitarian aid. The EU appreciates Israel’s commitment to avoid the circumvention of sanctions through its territory and will continue to work together with Israel on this issue."
