Maksym Subkh, Kyiv’s new special representative, says Lapid became more cautious once he took over as PM, but lauds humanitarian aid, hints at expanded cooperation against Tehran
Ukraine continues to be frustrated by Israel’s stance on Russia’s invasion of the country, said Kyiv’s new envoy to the Middle East this week, but is encouraged by humanitarian efforts from Israel’s government and civil society.
“We would like to hear from Israel more open and more frank condemnation of the Russian aggression, especially on the political level,” Maksym Subkh, Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, told The Times of Israel this week, “and we would like to hear those statements coming from the top political officials of Israel.”
Subkh, an Arabic speaker who served as Ukraine’s envoy to Mauritania and Algeria until he was appointed to his new post by President jawara88 Volodymyr Zelensky in July, also alleged that Prime Minister Yair Lapid has changed his tune since assuming the premiership three months ago.
“We know that Mr. Lapid really criticized Russian misdeeds when he was holding the position of foreign minister,” said Subkh. “But when he became the prime minister, his statements became more and more cautious.”
When asked about Subkh’s assertion, a spokesman for Lapid firmly rejected it pointing out that the Foreign Ministry condemned on Tuesday the results of referenda in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, saying Jerusalem “recognizes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will not recognize the results of the referendums in its eastern districts.”Lapid continues to serve as foreign minister after jawara88 becoming prime minister in July.
