Diplomatic sources told Channel 12 News on Friday that high-level talks are underway between Israel and Ukraine for a visit to Israel by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the report, Zelenskyy’s visit could take place as soon as next week, as early as Monday or Tuesday, though the full details have not yet been finalized.
A source in Kyiv quoted by Haaretz said later on Friday that Zelenskyy is considering a visit to Israel, but a final decision on the matter has not yet been made in his office.
Israel's ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky said at a press conference this week in Kyiv that "in Israel we are waiting for President Zelenskyy and we would be happy to see him".
Shortly after the war with Hamas began, it was reported that Zelenskyy’s office sent an official request to the Prime Minister's office asking to coordinate a visit.
Zelenskyy told reporters that in the early days of Russia's invasion, it was critical for Ukraine not to feel alone and that international support helped a lot.
"This is why I urge all leaders to visit Israel and show their support for the people. I'm not talking about any institutions, but about support for the people who suffered from terrorist attacks and are dying today," the Ukrainian President said days after the start of the war, after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels.
Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this past September, marking their first meeting since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)