- September 10, 2025
- 5:35 pm
- World News
Kyiv called the strike on the capital of the State of Qatar — Doha on September 9, 2025, “unacceptable,” appealing to sovereignty and the risks of disrupting negotiations. We explain the position: Qatar is a mediator and a significant donor for Ukraine, involved in the return of deported children, humanitarian programs, and the restoration of healthcare.
Israeli Foreign Ministry, September 9, 2025: “Today’s actions against the leaders of the terrorist organization Hamas were a completely independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility for it.” … “The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense considered the operation absolutely justified, as it was this Hamas leadership that initiated and organized the massacre on October 7 and has since continued to organize terrorist attacks against the State of Israel and its citizens…”.
In short: Ukraine condemned the strike on the capital of Qatar because it considers the violation of international law, the violation of sovereignty, and undermining the platform where sensitive humanitarian negotiations are conducted unacceptable. An additional motive is Qatar’s significant assistance to Ukraine: money, projects, diplomatic initiatives.
What Exactly the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Stated
The Ukrainian foreign ministry called the strike “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Qatar, specifically emphasizing the inadmissibility of violating its sovereignty. This is officially recorded in the release of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry dated September 10, 2025.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considers the strike on September 9 on the capital of the State of Qatar — Doha, in a densely populated area where foreign diplomatic missions are located, unacceptable.
A strike on the territory of a state acting as a mediator in peace negotiations for the settlement in the Gaza Strip is a gross violation of international law and goes against the efforts of the international community to de-escalate the region.
We express solidarity with the Government and people of the State of Qatar and emphasize the inadmissibility of violating its sovereignty.
Ukraine supports the efforts of the Qatari side aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and resolving the situation through diplomatic means.
We are convinced of the need for all parties to refrain from actions that could negatively affect the mediation efforts of the State of Qatar and lead to further escalation in the region.
We call on all parties to immediately cease violence and return to the negotiation process.” (Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, translation)
For the Israeli reader, it is important: this position does not cancel support for Israel on security issues, including against Iranian attacks; more on this below — a separate chronology of Kyiv’s official statements.
Why Qatar Specifically: Assistance to Ukraine in Numbers and Decisions
Humanitarian Package of $100 Million
In July 2023, after negotiations in Kyiv, Qatar announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine: support for healthcare, education, and demining. This is confirmed by Reuters and subsequent statements from the Qatari side.
Contribution to “Grain from Ukraine”: $20 Million
Qatar joined the presidential initiative “Grain from Ukraine,” aimed at supplying Ukrainian grain to vulnerable countries, allocating $20 million. This contribution is recorded in official communications from the Qatari Foreign Ministry and Ukrainian reports.
Support for Refugees and IDPs: $5 Million through QFFD
On April 10, 2025, Qatar announced $5 million in humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The decision was announced at a donor conference.
Restoration of Healthcare: Reconstruction of a Medical Complex
In the spring-summer of 2025, QFFD and the Olena Zelenska Foundation confirmed a project for the complete reconstruction of a medical complex in Ukraine — expanding bed capacity by over 200 places, new buildings, equipment. Official messages from the foundation and relevant publications coincide in essence and dates.
Mediation in the Return of Children
Qatar helps coordinate “delicate” humanitarian deals for the return of deported Ukrainian children. Several waves were confirmed in 2024: nine children at the end of November, thirteen in May. Reuters publications directly point to Doha’s role as a mediator.
“Qatar agreed to a Ukrainian request to mediate … the first return took place in October.” (Reuters, context on the return program)
Kyiv’s Logic: Protecting the Mediator as a Practical Principle
Ukraine believes that a strike on a mediator country destroys trust in the channel through which exchanges and humanitarian agreements pass. This logic is universal and applies to any war. For Kyiv, which negotiates the return of children and prisoners, the platform in Doha is a working tool, not a symbol. Hence the tone: “protecting mediators means protecting lives.”
Ukraine’s Position in Support of Israel: Specific Statements and Steps
- October 7–17, 2023. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed its strong condemnation of rocket attacks and armed group attacks by Hamas against the population of Israel, affirming support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
- October 13, 2023. Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East, Maksym Subkh, at a meeting with Arab ambassadors, condemned the “brutal attack” by Hamas on Israel and emphasized the need to protect civilians.
- October 2023. President Volodymyr Zelensky initiated a “solidarity visit” to Israel; the Israeli side responded that the moment was “inappropriate.” The intention and negotiations about the visit are recorded in Israeli and international media.
- October 2, 2024. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned a massive rocket attack by Iran on Israel.
- July 23, 2025. The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Israel agreed to launch a strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat — an institutional format that consolidates previous political signals.
This block shows consistency: support for Israel’s security and parallel protection of mediation platforms as a tool necessary for humanitarian solutions.
How to Read This from Israel: Pragmatism Without Unnecessary Emotions
Firstly, the condemnation of the strike on Doha is not a revision of the attitude towards Israel but a protection of the diplomatic infrastructure through which exchanges and returns pass. Secondly, Ukraine publicly supported Israel at critical moments, including Iranian attacks, and expanded the bilateral dialogue on the Iranian threat. These are two lines of one policy: ally security and maintaining effective mediation.
Thirdly, Qatar is a partner investing in humanitarian and recovery projects in Ukraine: $100 million, “Grain from Ukraine,” $5 million for refugees, reconstruction of a medical complex, educational opportunities. Together, this creates an obligation of gratitude and explains Kyiv’s tone.
Editorial Block for the Reader in Israel
We write for the Israeli audience, considering the context of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the interests of the Jewish community and diaspora, and maintaining a balance between the principles of international law and practical humanitarian work.
Author NANews — Israel News. Our task is to rely on verifiable sources, avoid aggressive rhetoric, and explain how diplomatic decisions affect people: hostages, the wounded, children waiting to return home.
Conclusion
Ukraine condemned the strike on Doha because it protects two critical resources: international law and mediation channels through which exchanges and returns occur.
In the equation “war — diplomacy — humanitarian operations,” Qatar is a partner whose commitments to Ukraine are confirmed by facts: $100 million in aid, $20 million for the grain initiative, $5 million for refugee support, reconstruction of medical infrastructure, assistance in returning children.
This position does not contradict support for Israel’s security; on the contrary, it stems from common interests — not to destroy channels on which human lives depend.
FAQ
Does Kyiv’s statement mean a turn against Israel?
No. Ukraine condemned Iranian attacks on Israel and launched a strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat. In the case of Qatar, it is about protecting mediation, without which humanitarian deals are disrupted.
What is the total confirmed aid from Qatar to Ukraine?
$100 million in humanitarian aid, $20 million for “Grain from Ukraine,” $5 million for refugees through QFFD, a medical complex reconstruction project (200+ beds), as well as mediation in the return of children.
Why is it important for Ukraine to maintain the Qatari platform?
Through Doha, coordination of the return of children and other humanitarian exchanges takes place; loss of trust in the mediator slows down and stops these processes.
Is there a direct benefit for Israel from maintaining such a mediator?
Mediators increase the likelihood of effective agreements, including on hostages and humanitarian corridors. This is pragmatic from both Israeli and Ukrainian perspectives. (Context — Qatar’s role in regional mediation.)
