No reports of injured Ukrainians in Israel so far – Ambassador Korniychuk

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Israel Yevgen Korniychuk, in an exclusive comment to Interfax-Ukraine, reported that no requests regarding injured Ukrainian citizens have been received following the escalation of the security situation in the region.

"The ‘hotline’ of the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel is operating constantly. As of this minute, thank God, there are no reports of injured Ukrainians," the Ambassador said on Monday.

The diplomat noted that the embassy is operating in a somewhat limited capacity, but access to consular services continues.

"We are working 24/7, as usual," Korniychuk emphasized.

The Ambassador recommended that Ukrainian citizens in Israel strictly follow the instructions of the Israeli Home Front Command; constantly monitor official announcements from local authorities and the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel; minimize movement and avoid crowded places; and identify the location of the nearest shelters in advance.

Hotline of the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel: +972 54 667 67 82 (Viber, Telegram), email: [email protected]

As reported, due to the escalation of the security situation in the Middle East and the threat of missile strikes and attacks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to the State of Israel until the situation stabilizes, and reminds them of the existing recommendation to refrain from traveling to the Islamic Republic of Iran and to leave its territory, issued in early January.

All Ukrainian citizens in the region are advised to remain vigilant, closely monitor reports from local competent authorities, strictly follow security measures, and always carry identification documents.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint large-scale military operation against Iran (referred to in Israel as "Lion’s Roar" and in the US as "Epic Fury"). The strikes targeted military, missile, and nuclear facilities, as well as the country’s leadership. As a result of the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed along with several high-ranking officials, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the defense minister.

In response, Iran launched massive missile and drone strikes against Israel, as well as against American military bases and facilities in Persian Gulf countries (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan). Civilian casualties have been recorded in Israel (specifically, 9 deaths in Beit Shemesh from a direct ballistic missile hit), and American service members have been wounded alongside significant infrastructure damage.