"You have a lot of information, sometimes unique, about Iran," Ukraine's special envoy to the Middle East, Maksym Subkh, said in an interview with Israel Hayom. "We also have important information that could help Israel." The remarks come one day after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's visit to the country – the first visit at this level since 2023, which, according to the hosts, was initiated by the Israeli minister.
Subkh welcomes what he calls a "positive change" in Israel's position. "We are grateful to Minister Sa'ar for condemning Russian attacks against civilians at the press conference," he said, noting this was the first time a senior Israeli official at such a level explicitly named Russia in this context. "We hope Israel will voice its position more strongly regarding the crimes being committed by Russia on Ukrainian territory, preferably by the highest-ranking officials."
The triangular relationship between Israel-Ukraine-Russia has not changed much during the war. Israel seeks to maintain correct relations with Moscow to protect its interests and strengthen or distance them according to global developments, while it openly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity but refrains from sending, selling, or transferring Israeli weapons through third parties to Kyiv. "Israel maintains direct dialogue with Moscow," Subkh said, recalling Israel's participation in the Victory Parade on May 9 – "We were not pleased with the participation," he admitted.
However, Subkh expresses appreciation for Israeli humanitarian aid. "During the conversation, Minister Sa'ar noted that MASHAV (the Center for International Cooperation at the Israeli Foreign Ministry) has only two aid targets – the Druze in Syria and Ukraine. This proves Ukraine holds a special place," he said, adding that Sa'ar announced water systems for southern regions affected by the war, following the transfer of warning systems and the field hospital that operated in the country throughout the war.
Last weekend, Russia launched 235 drones and 27 missiles in a massive attack on the city of Dnipro and its surrounding region, killing three civilians and wounding six. "A terrible night. A massive combined attack on the region," the regional governor wrote on Telegram, alongside photos of destroyed buildings and burned cars. The nighttime alerts and attacks are a reality for a long line of cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv. Additional air defense systems are at the top of Ukraine's current priority list for military aid. "We desperately need to defend our skies. There is no safe place in Ukraine right now," Subkh emphasized in the interview. He clarified that Ukraine is prepared to purchase defense systems with full payment – "We are not asking for them for free. We have our own funding."
He also addressed reports about Patriot systems returned to the US from Israel – and then transferred to Kyiv. "There was so much commotion in the media around this issue," Subkh said, adding, "It's incorrect to think Israel supplies the necessary equipment directly to Ukraine. Partners are willing to facilitate equipment supply." Particularly interesting to Kyiv are Israeli technologies against drones – "Certain types of technologies Israel has, we urgently need them."
Although Israel has refused so far to transfer weapons to Kyiv, it agreed to launch a "strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat" – a move that could lead to intelligence and technological collaboration in the future. "There is a need to establish a communication line between Ukraine and Israel on the Iranian threat," Subkh explained. "You have a lot of information, sometimes unique, about Iran. We also have important information that could help Israel in dealing with the Iranian threat." Both sides agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives from various government ministries to monitor the process and foster cooperation.
Ukrainian intelligence across its various bodies has demonstrated impressive capabilities throughout the war, including complex operations deep in Russian territory, involving assassinations of senior officials, and, of course, the drone operation that severely damaged Moscow's strategic bomber fleet. Additionally, they have struck Russian forces and their allies worldwide in Syria, Sudan, and West Africa.
Subkh views the Israeli strike on Iranian capabilities very positively. "Apparently, the US and Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities threw the Iranian program back for a long period," he said, adding, "This is positive, I hope." When asked whether the damage to Iran's military capabilities will reduce supply to Russia, he responds confidently, "I believe so." According to him, "The less Russia depends on Iranian military equipment, the weaker Russia becomes," which is why Moscow turned to North Korea – "to compensate for what it doesn't receive from Iran."
The Ukrainian diplomat does not spare harsh criticism of Iran. "Iran is a partner in the crime of aggression against Ukraine because Iran supplies drones and drone technologies to Russia," he accused. "We have never heard from the Iranian government statements saying they condemn or at least oppose the use of Iranian drone technologies or Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. They have never done this, despite being able to."
He added that "I think the Iranian people deserve a better future, they are not satisfied with the regime they have. I don't think any nation would be happy to live under severe sanctions for decades." He added that he believes "positive changes might also happen in Iran."
The war in Ukraine has become a perfect example of the new warfare era – the drone age. From observation to attack, from intercepting UAVs to complex missions, drones have become a central tool on the battlefield. Against this backdrop, President Zelenskyy presented Minister Sa'ar with a cooperation proposal. "Israel can join our programs and benefit from Ukraine's extensive knowledge and expertise in drone production," Subkh recounted. "We have unique knowledge and experience; what's missing is funding," adding that Kyiv is also open to the possibility of drone production taking place outside Ukraine.
Regarding Gaza, Subkh presents the official Ukrainian position. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is very serious," he said, noting that Ukraine supplied the Strip with at least 7,000 tons of grain and wheat as part of the "Grain from Ukraine" program. Kyiv supports increasing humanitarian aid to the Strip, a position that aligns with that of the European Union. In the same breath, he emphasized, "We condemn everything Hamas did and does, and we do not see Hamas as part of Gaza's future."
Outside the magnificent building of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, which was home to the headquarters of Ukraine's Communist Party before the USSR's collapse, a funeral is taking place for a senior commander killed in battle. Two long rows of officers and comrades-in-arms escort his coffin into the cathedral, passing by, kneeling. For now, Ukraine is "holding the line," but is also desperately calling for help.
