Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met Thursday evening in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a conversation that lasted about an hour. It is the first time an Israeli foreign minister has visited the country since the Russian invasion a year ago.

The two leaders discussed acting against Iran in the international arena. Zelenskyy reportedly noted that Iran is a common enemy for Israel and Ukraine. 

Before meeting with Zelenskyy, Cohen met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Speaking next to Cohen at a joint press conference, Kuleba thanked Israel for its humanitarian support, especially the companies and volunteers working in Kyiv and other cities. 

The Ukrainian minister went on to note that his government now expects Israel to provide defensive military aid to his country. Israel, he said, is well familiar with Kyiv’s list of military needs, which was given to the previous Israeli government, adding, "We are waiting for responsible decisions regarding the defense of Ukraine's skies."

Cohen said that Israel stands with Ukraine and noted that Israel is developing the aerial attack alarm system promised Ukraine by former Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Cohen pledged to offer Kyiv $200 million in credit to an Israeli company that will participate in the building of a new medical center in Ukraine. 

Cohen did not condemn Russia, though he did say Israel will support Zelenskyy’s peace initiative to be presented next week at the United Nations and that the two countries share condemnation for Iran.