Ukraine Asks Israel for $500 Million Loan

By Zalman Ahnsaf

YERUSHALAYIM – Ukraine has asked Israel for a half a billion-dollar loan to help deal with its struggling economy amid the ongoing war with Russia, according to Ynet on Wednesday.

Ukraine has been critical of Israel for declining to provide weapons to help fight off the Russians, though it has sent helmets and flak jackets, in addition to considerable humanitarian aid. This was the first report of a request for financial assistance.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk conveyed the request in a letter to the office of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, on behalf of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Korniychuk observed generously that “it is not a big amount for the state of Israel, I hope Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will consider the request positively.”

Receipt of the letter was acknowledged, and the PMO said in reply to a query that “we will respond after we consider the matter.”

Ukraine has already secured loans from several other countries. Japan pledged $600 million, Canada $800 million dollars, and Germany is giving 300 million euros.