Netanyahu and Zelensky speak in person for first time in 3 years at Graham funeral

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in person for the first time in three years at Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral service. The two leaders, who had not spoken since January 2025, held a serious but cordial conversation and explored a formal meeting in Washington, which did not materialize. Separately, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, inviting him to Israel to discuss challenges including the threat from Iran and deepening cooperation. Sybiha accepted, updating Sa'ar on Russian aggression in the Black Sea and preparations for the 85th anniversary of Babyn Yar.

“Israel and Ukraine are friends, and I look forward to further deepening our cooperation, including through the establishment of new education centers in Ukrainian hospitals,”

Sa'ar wrote on X. Ties between Jerusalem and Kyiv have been delicate since Russia's 2022 invasion, with Ukraine seeking Israel's Iron Dome system, which Netanyahu has resisted to avoid antagonizing Russia.