Ukraine is grateful to Israel for its efforts to end Russian aggression against the Ukrainian state and to help Ukrainian refugees, but calls for personal protective equipment for Ukrainian servicemen - helmets and bulletproof vests. The Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Israel Yevhen Korniychuk stated this to Israeli journalists in Tel Aviv.

«I don't know why people are afraid to provide defensive means. Is this a weapon? This is something simple that can be done. I hope the government could at least provide us with such things that will help save Ukrainian lives. We have long talks about munition and equipment and self-defense with the Israeli government, including helmets and safety vests, and we did not reach an agreement», - he said.

Yevhen Korniychuk stressed that Ukraine highly appreciates the fact that the Prime Minister of Israel is visiting Moscow to negotiate an end to Russian aggression.

«We appreciate it and hope his efforts will bring about an end to the bloodshed. For us now, this is genocide, not unlike your situation in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Unfortunately, we are dealing with a much stronger adversary and many more casualties so thank you for your mediation attempts», - he said.

The head of the diplomatic mission also thanked the Israeli side for humanitarian and medical assistance to the affected Ukrainians and the intention to establish a field hospital in Ukraine.

«We are fighting for our independence and will do so until we are free», - Yevhen Korniychuk said.