Israel and Ukraine are preparing to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations at a moment when the history connecting the two countries is becoming inseparable from their present-day security challenges.

During a telephone conversation on July 28, 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar invited Ukraine’s acting foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, to visit Israel on the occasion of the anniversary. The following day, the Ukrainian side confirmed that Sybiha had accepted the invitation.

This was more than a routine diplomatic exchange.

Sa’ar described Israel and Ukraine as friends, expressed sorrow over the many Ukrainian victims of Russia’s war, and spoke about expanding Israeli-supported educational centers for children receiving long-term treatment in Ukrainian hospitals.

Sybiha added several issues of direct importance to Israelis. He informed Sa’ar about Russia’s escalating attacks on civilian vessels and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, warning that the consequences extend far beyond Ukraine. Disruption of shipping routes and attacks on port infrastructure affect global food security, including Israel, which relies heavily on imported food and agricultural products.

The ministers also discussed preparations for the 85th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre and agreed to maintain high-level contacts and continue cooperation within international organizations.

That reference to Babyn Yar is not incidental. It brings the story of Israel–Ukraine relations back to where much of it began.

Before formal diplomatic recognition

On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian parliament declared Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union. At the time, the country had only just appeared on the political map, and its future international position remained uncertain.

Yet one of the first major international commemorative events organized by the emerging Ukrainian state was dedicated to the Jews murdered by the Nazis at Babyn Yar.

On October 5, 1991, Ukrainian leaders, representatives of Israel, the World Jewish Congress, diplomats and public figures gathered in Kyiv to commemorate the victims. Israeli flags were displayed openly at Babyn Yar, something that would have been politically and symbolically impossible during much of the Soviet period.

The Israeli delegation was led by Education Minister Zevulun Hammer. Israel’s consul general in the Soviet Union, Arye Levin, read a message from President Chaim Herzog.

Leonid Kravchuk, who would soon become the first president of independent Ukraine, delivered an important speech about Ukrainian–Jewish history. He acknowledged that some Ukrainians........

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