In a new episode of the original program “U LIZHKU” on June 8, 2025, journalist Marichka Dovbenko spoke with Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky — and this interview has already become historic.
For the first time, the diplomat spoke in Ukrainian and answered the most pressing questions: about military aid, “dual” relations with Russia, the role of Zelensky, and what Israel is learning from Ukraine.
Why Israel was silent and helps unofficially
According to Brodsky, Israel is forced to act delicately so as not to escalate relations with Russia. This includes the absence of official sanctions and restraint in public statements. But real aid — exists.
“I have always convinced my colleagues that we must help Ukraine. But diplomacy is not about slogans, it’s a subtle tool,” the ambassador noted.
Brodsky admitted that he was criticized in Israel for his “excessive sympathy” toward Ukraine. Nevertheless, he emphasizes: Israeli aid is not a political gesture, but a conscious choice in favor of freedom and justice.
“The Patriot systems we once received from the United States are now in Ukraine. These are Israeli systems that were in service in Israel in the early ’90s. We agreed to transfer them to Ukraine. Unfortunately, this was not widely reported. But when people say Israel hasn’t provided military aid — that’s not true,” stated Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky.
About the Patriot transfer — https://youtu.be/09vyQNsc6eM?si=E-iGMiRJe3Ohr95x&t=1414
Israel and Ukraine: Strategic and Human Connections
The interview included many personal moments: Brodsky shared which Ukrainian dishes his grandmother used to cook, named his favorite Ukrainian word, and spoke about culture shocks and emotional experiences while serving in Ukraine.
He reminded that Zelensky, as a Jew, is an important figure for Israeli society and admitted:
“This affects how Ukraine is perceived in Israel. People feel a special connection.”
What You Need to Know: Key Topics of the Interview
Israeli Diplomacy Under Fire
Brodsky emphasizes that Ukraine is the only country in the world where Israeli diplomats work under direct shelling. The embassy in Ukraine never stopped its work, even in the darkest days.
Why Iron Dome is Not Suitable for Ukraine
The ambassador explained that the Iron Dome system was designed for short-term localized threats, not for massive barrages of ballistic and cruise missiles like those Ukraine faces.
What Israel Learns from Ukraine
According to Brodsky, Ukrainians’ moral resilience inspires Israelis. He added:
“Everyone wants to serve in the Israeli army. But Ukrainians have shown that even without a traditional army, they can become an army of the whole nation.”
Israel and Russia: Why No Sanctions?
This was one of the most sensitive questions. Brodsky answered frankly:
“We have complex regional interests, especially in Syria. A conflict with Russia could pose a direct threat.”
Connection with Trump and Influence in the U.S.
Brodsky gave a veiled but clear hint: if Ukraine wants to establish contact with Trump — Israel can play a useful role.
Jews in Ukraine — and for Ukraine
The climax of the interview was a reminder: Jews are also dying for Ukraine.
“This is not only a fight of Ukrainians. It’s a fight of all who believe in freedom,” said Brodsky.
A Candid View Without Masks
This interview became one of the strongest and most important during the entire period of Russian aggression. For the first time, it was openly stated: Israel is supplying weapons to Ukraine and is not hiding its sympathy for the people fighting for their lives.
Read more on NAnews — Israel News: here we gather everything important about the relations between our nations.

