On February 25, 2025, at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, a diplomatic meeting took place, dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The event was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel, the Israeli Friends of Ukraine organization, and the Nadav Foundation.
The main topic of the discussion was the global threat posed by Russia as it strengthens its alliance with Iran and North Korea. More than 150 diplomats participated in the event, including 14 ambassadors and 30 military attachés, along with representatives of the Israeli-Ukrainian community, business sector, and media.
Who spoke and what was discussed?
Key speakers:
- Yevhen Korniychuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel
- Major General Amos Gilad, Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS)
- Lieutenant Colonel Avital Leibovich, Director of AJC Jerusalem
- Audrius Bruzga, Ambassador of Lithuania to Israel
- Simon Walters, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Israel
- Ksenia Svetlova, moderator, journalist, Arabist, politician
Main topics:
✅ The consequences of Russian aggression for Israel and Ukraine
✅ The Moscow-Tehran-Pyongyang military alliance: global risks
✅ How the war in Ukraine is reshaping the strategic balance of the world
The “Axis of Evil” – What Does It Mean?
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, stated:
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014. But now, the Kremlin is forming a new axis of evil by aligning with Iran and North Korea. This is a threat not only to Ukraine and Israel but to the entire democratic world.”
What dangers does this alliance pose?
- Russia is purchasing Iranian kamikaze drones (Shahed-136), which are used daily to attack Ukrainian cities.
- Iran is gaining Russian technology and military cooperation in exchange for weapons.
- North Korea is supplying Russia with artillery shells and missiles, which are used in the war against Ukraine.
This military alliance threatens to destabilize Europe and the Middle East by spreading weapons, terror, and instability.
Why Does This Concern Israel?
Israel is already facing threats from Iran and its proxy groups. The participants of the discussion emphasized:
✔ The weapons Iran supplies to Russia for the war in Ukraine could also be used against Israel.
✔ The military alliance between Moscow and Tehran strengthens the positions of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist groups.
✔ Ukraine’s experience in countering Russian aggression could help Israel defend itself against similar threats.
As Major General Amos Gilad noted:
“Ukraine is the front line between the free world and dictatorship. Everything happening there directly affects Israel.”
Facts and Statistics: The Scale of the Threat
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Iranian drones in Ukraine | Russia has used over 2,000 Shahed-136 drones to attack Ukrainian cities |
| Shells from North Korea | In 2023, North Korea supplied Russia with around 1 million artillery shells |
| Iranian rockets in Hamas | During the October 7 attack, Iranian-made weapons were used |
| US Sanctions | In February 2024, the US expanded sanctions against entities cooperating with Iran and Russia |
What Conclusions Were Made?
- Israel and Ukraine must strengthen military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
- The international community must impose tougher sanctions on Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
- Ukraine and Israel must work together to counter global terrorism.
NAnews – News of Israel:
The meeting in Tel Aviv sent a strong signal: the threat of the “Axis of Evil” is growing, and only international unity can stop it.
Israel and Ukraine face similar challenges. The weapons killing Ukrainians today could threaten Israelis tomorrow. Only joint actions, international support, and decisive measures can prevent the spread of this threat.
Read more analysis on events in Ukraine, Israel, and the world at NAnews – News of Israel.
