Putin Congratulates Netanyahu, Leaders Discuss Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election victory and the establishment of a new government, Netanyahu’s office said on Thursday. The two have a long relationship dating back to Netanyahu’s previous governments.

According to the statement, the call mainly revolved around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Netanyahu told Putin that he hopes a resolution to end hostilities and the consequent suffering will be found as soon as possible.

Netanyahu also told Putin that he is determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to curb Tehran’s attempts to establish a military presence in Lebanon and Syria along Israel’s northern border.

Netanyahu spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Nov. 7, six days after the election.

He then promised the Ukrainian leader that he would “examine the Ukraine issue” after his accession to the premiership. According to Ukrainian officials, Zelensky requested Israeli weapons during the call and invited Netanyahu to visit Kyiv.

During the election campaign, Netanyahu said that he would consider supplying Ukraine with Israeli arms if elected, and would also consider acting as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.