Ukraine warns Israel that Hasidic Jews might be denied entry to Uman

The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel made this statement, as reported by Ukrinform.

The communication from the Ukrainian government highlights that the visa-free agreement may be terminated.

On August 18, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had given certain instructions against the backdrop of information about issues concerning the treatment of Ukrainian migrants in "various" countries.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, clarified that Zelensky was referring to Israel: "The government of Ukraine will not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens upon entry to Israel. We will terminate our bilateral visa waiver agreements as stipulated by Article 7 of the intergovernmental agreement. This option is on the table in our government."

Korniichuk emphasized that Ukraine had to do "everything possible" to accommodate tens of thousands of Israelis in Uman, with high risks to security and significant material-technical efforts. Conversely, the Israeli government is not treating Ukrainian citizens well when they come to Israel under the agreement between the two countries.

"If Israel wants its citizens to come to Ukraine as tourists, including to Uman, I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu should personally intervene to find a solution to the current situation," the ambassador stated.