Video: Ambassador Michael Brodsky on growth, despite the war, of trade between Israel and Ukraine, startups and strategic industries

Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky in an interview on June 9, 2025, with Anna Liubyma (Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), emphasized: despite the war, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 69% in 2024, Israeli exports to Ukraine grew by 82%, and Ukrainian exports to Israel rose by 49%. “We have not yet reached a billion dollars per year, but the potential is much greater,” said Brodsky, stressing that the war remains the main limiting factor. Video: Ambassador Michael Brodsky — on trade growth between Israel and Ukraine, startups and strategic industries NAnews - Israel News June 12, 2025 What Ukraine exports, and what Israel supplies According to the ambassador, Ukraine’s primary export to Israel remains grain, along with processed goods and agricultural products. Israel, in turn, exports: - Pharmaceutical products - Chemicals - Medical equipment - Technology and machinery “We signed a free trade agreement. It significantly reduced tariffs and stimulated growth,” the diplomat added. Processing as a key trend Anna Liubyma pointed out a new trend: whereas Ukraine previously exported mostly raw materials (such as grain), now there is a growing share of value-added products—including processed goods, machinery, and healthy food solutions. In Israeli supermarkets, one can already find Ukrainian pastila, protein bars, and sweets, popular not only among immigrants from the former USSR but also among native Israelis. Ukrainian companies’ potential: building materials Brodsky highlighted a specific niche: Ukrainian manufacturers of construction materials are still underrepresented in the Israeli market. Main reasons: - Strong competition from European suppliers - Logistics and transportation challenges - Need to meet Israeli certification and standards Nevertheless, Israel’s ongoing construction boom makes this a promising sector. According to the ambassador, “this is an area worth developing and supporting.” Table: Key trade figures between Ukraine and Israel (2024) Indicator Value Trade turnover growth +69% Israeli exports to Ukraine +82% Ukrainian exports to Israel +49% Main Ukrainian imports to Israel Grain, agricultural products Main Israeli exports to Ukraine Pharmaceuticals, machinery Startups and IT: Israel’s experience and interest in Ukraine Brodsky noted that Israel is no longer just the "Startup Nation," but a nation capable of scaling its own businesses. Today, Israel boasts dozens of unicorns (companies valued over $1 billion), and many are no longer eager to sell. The Ukrainian IT sector has long been a reliable partner to Israeli businesses: before the war, thousands of Ukrainian developers worked for Israeli companies. After the full-scale invasion, many relocated but continue working remotely. - Cost-effectiveness of Ukrainian solutions - Unique defense and cyber technologies - Potential for joint Defense development Ukrainian defense tech: export as an economic strategy Ukraine could adopt Israel’s model for weapons export, Brodsky believes. Israel remains a global leader in defense exports, with many large contracts signed with European countries. “Israel is a small country, but it manages to increase exports. Why shouldn't Ukraine do the same?” NAnews — Israel News: where economy meets diplomacy On our website NAnews — Israel News, we regularly cover the dynamics of Israel–Ukraine relations. The video interview with Ambassador Michael Brodsky on the KSHDU Media channel is significant because it not only reflects past progress but also outlines clear paths for future cooperation—from healthcare to Smart City, from agriculture to Defense exports. Israeli technologies for southern Ukraine According to Brodsky, drip irrigation technologies, desalination and water reuse systems are particularly in demand in southern and southeastern Ukraine—Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions. These areas need recovery, and Israel is ready to share its expertise. Conclusion and recommendations The red thread of the interview—“Ambassador Michael Brodsky on Ukraine–Israel cooperation”—runs through all key themes. Economy, innovation, security, and rebuilding unite the two countries, despite geographic and wartime challenges. Now is the time for strategic decisions. As Michael Brodsky emphasized: “The potential is huge; the key is to seize the opportunity.” Other topics discussed briefly: - Humanitarian aid from Israel to Ukraine: field hospital, medicines, prosthetics - Comparison of wars: Israel faces terrorist organizations, Ukraine faces a nuclear state - Rehabilitation based on Israeli model: experience shared in Lviv conference - Fighting disinformation: Israel operates cautiously but professionally - Ambassador’s message: peace, health, resilience, and rebuilding for both nations Read more analysis and coverage at NAnews — Israel News: https://nikk.agency Video: https://nikk.agency/en/on-growth/