"We condemn everything that Hamas has done and is doing, and we do not see Hamas in the future of Gaza" - Ukraine's special

"You have a lot of information, sometimes unique, about Iran", says Ukraine's Special Representative for the Middle East, Maksym Subkh, in an interview with Israel Hayom on July 28, 2025, "and we also have important information that may be useful to Israel in countering the Iranian threat." These words were spoken after the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to Ukraine — the first visit of this level since 2023, which, according to the hosts, "was initiated by the Israeli minister himself."
In the last days of July 2025, Ukrainian-Israeli relations reached a new level: Kyiv officially offered Jerusalem an exchange of classified information on Iranian issues. This initiative reflected shifts in both countries' policies against the backdrop of the ongoing war, new threats from Russia, and Iran's growing role in the Middle East.

Kyiv's position: focus on partnership

Maksym Subkh, a diplomat with many years of experience, emphasized in a conversation with Israeli journalists: Ukrainian intelligence agencies possess data that may be of interest to their Israeli counterparts.
"We highly appreciate the fact that Israeli Minister Sa'ar at the official press conference condemned Russian attacks on civilians," noted Subkh, stressing that this is the first time an Israeli official of such high rank has directly named Russia in this context.
This statement, seemingly formal, is regarded by the Ukrainian side "as an important sign of change": if previously Israel preferred not to name Russia negatively, now the rhetoric is gradually shifting.
The balance between Moscow and Kyiv
However, a complex triangle of interests remains. Israel is still reluctant to side with Ukraine in the armed conflict, explaining this by the need to maintain working channels with Moscow for its strategic interests in the Middle East. This causes certain dissatisfaction in Kyiv, which Subkh does not hide:
"We hope that Israel will speak out louder about the crimes committed by Russia on the territory of Ukraine, preferably at the highest level."
The trilateral relations between Israel, Ukraine and Russia have not changed much during the war: Israel seeks to maintain correct relations with Moscow to protect its interests, strengthening and distancing them depending on developments in the world.
On the other hand, Israel openly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, but refrains from supplying, selling, or transferring Israeli weapons to Kyiv through third parties.
"Israel maintains direct dialogue with Moscow," says Subkh, mentioning Israel's participation in the parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025: "We were dissatisfied with this participation," he admits.
Humanitarian dimension
It is worth noting that against the background of limited military cooperation, Israel continues to provide significant humanitarian aid. According to Maksym Subkh, the Israeli center Mashav focuses on two directions: assistance to Druze in Syria and support for Ukraine.
"During the conversation, Minister Sa'ar noted that the Center for International Cooperation at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has only two objects for assistance — Druze in Syria and Ukraine. This proves Ukraine's special place."
This symmetry, for the Ukrainian side, confirms that Kyiv is considered a strategic partner in Jerusalem, not a temporary object of attention. Field hospital, alert systems, the launch of new water supply projects — just part of this work.
Problems of air defense
The war does not recede: just over one weekend, according to Ukrainian authorities, 235 drones and 27 missiles were fired at Dnipro and surrounding areas, resulting in casualties and destruction of residential areas.
Subkh notes: "There are currently no safe places in Ukraine. Everyone wants to protect their families. That is why we are seeking access to modern air defense systems and are ready to pay for them ourselves."
He makes it clear that Ukraine is ready to purchase air defense systems at full price: "We are not asking for them for free. We have our own funding".
He also refers to reports about Patriot systems, which Israel returned to the US and which the US then transferred to Kyiv.
"There was a lot of hype in the media around this issue," says Subkh, adding: "It is incorrect to think that Israel supplies the necessary equipment directly to Ukraine. There are partners ready to facilitate equipment supplies."
Kyiv is especially interested in Israeli technologies to counter drones: "Certain types of technologies that Israel has are extremely necessary for us."

Information exchange and a new format of cooperation

The key outcome of the negotiations is the launch of a strategic dialogue on Iran. Subkh stated directly:
"We have important information that may be useful to Israel in countering the Iranian threat."
It is planned to create an interdepartmental working group from both sides, which will deal not only with threat analysis but also with coordinating concrete actions — from intelligence sharing to technological initiatives. In this, Ukraine sees an opportunity to strengthen its own security and a chance to contribute to the defense of its ally.
Intelligence and technological capabilities
According to experts, Ukrainian intelligence has reached new heights during the war: successful sabotage operations behind enemy lines, strikes on strategic enemy targets, innovations in the field of drones. This experience is in demand internationally. Subkh emphasized this.
View on Iran
From Kyiv's perspective, Iran is not just a geopolitical player, but a real military threat. Ukraine openly accuses Tehran of supplying drones and technologies for Russian attacks. At the same time, the interview expressed the need for changes within Iranian society itself.
"I am sure that Iranians deserve a better life than that imposed on them by the current regime," Subkh summarized.
"The US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have probably slowed the Iranian program for a long time," he says, adding, "I hope this is a positive point."
The Ukrainian diplomat does not spare harsh criticism of Iran. "Iran is an accomplice to the crime of aggression against Ukraine, since Iran supplies Russia with drones and technology for them", he accuses.
"We have never heard statements from the Iranian government condemning or at least opposing the use of Iranian drone technology or Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. They have never done this, though they could have."
Drone warfare
The war in Ukraine has become an excellent example of a new era of warfare — the era of drones. From surveillance to attack, from UAV interception to completing complex tasks — drones have become a central tool on the battlefield.
Against this backdrop, President of Ukraine Zelensky presented Minister Sa'ar with a proposal for cooperation.
"Israel can join our programs and benefit from Ukraine's vast knowledge and experience in drone production," Subkh said.
"We have unique knowledge and experience, only funding is lacking," he added, noting that Kyiv is also ready for the possibility of drone production outside Ukraine.
Gaza and attitude towards Hamas
Ukraine has officially confirmed: Kyiv has delivered over 7,000 tons of grain and wheat to Gaza under the "Grain from Ukraine" program, supports further expansion of humanitarian aid, and shares the EU's approach to the situation in the region.
At the same time, he stressed:
"We condemn everything Hamas has done and is doing, and do not see Hamas in Gaza's future."
A country on the frontline
Concluding the conversation, Subkh spoke about how these days, almost daily, funerals for soldiers are held near the main building of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite the hardships, Kyiv continues to "hold the line" while simultaneously building new bridges — including with Israel.
NAnews — News of Israel will continue to monitor the development of this line of strategic dialogue, to see how real changes are possible against the backdrop of international challenges. The cooperation that begins today is capable of changing the balance of power not only for Ukraine and Israel but for the entire region. https://nikk.agency/en/we-condemn-everything/