‘’Israel hopes for a diplomatic solution which will lead to calm, and is willing to help if asked,’’ Lior Hayat, spopkesperson of the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement.

 

Ukraine is under attack from Russia, according to multiple media reports. Troops entered the country from a border crossing with Belarus, where tens of thousands of additional troops are reportedly stationed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the special military operation in the early morning hours on Thursday.

Speaking on TV, the president said, “I have declared a special military operation… For those who would be tempted to intervene. Russia will respond immediately and you will have consequences that you never have had before in your history.”

Russian airstrikes had commenced on multiple airports, airbases and checkpoints around the country, according to media reports. In addition, bombings were underway in other parts of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared martial law and asked that citizens shelter in place.

The country also shut its airspace to civilian flights due to safety concerns, Reuters reported.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement: ‘’I strongly condemn Russia’s reckless and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives. Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country.’’

He added, ‘’This is a grave breach of international law, and a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. I call on Russia to cease its military action immediately and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’’

The 30 Atlantic Alliance members  ambassadors will meet Thursday ‘’to address the consequences of Russia’s aggressive actions. We stand with the people of Ukraine at this terrible time. NATO will do all it takes to protect and defend all Allies,’’ said Stoltenberg.

Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European Council President Charles Michel has called an emergency summit meeting of EU leaders in person on Thursday evening to discuss the buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders.

“The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century. I am calling a special European Council in Brussels to discuss the latest developments related to #Ukraine and Russia” Michel tweeted.

In an invitation letter to leaders, Michel said he would like them to discuss the latest developments in the crisis, as well as “how we protect the rules-based international order” and “how we deal with Russia notably holding Russia accountable for its actions.”

He also noted that he would like heads of state and government to talk about how the EU “will further support Ukraine and its people.”

According to Euractiv, EU leaders will have to find an adequate response to Russia’s actions. ”It likely will encompass a more far-reaching sanctions package than initially planned, after Wednesday’s initial sanctions round already struck Putin’s inner circle,” the EU affairs publication writes. 

“We condemn this barbaric attack, and the cynical arguments to justify it. It is President Putin, who is bringing war back to Europe,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

She added: “In these dark hours, the European Union and its people stand by Ukraine and its people. We are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country.”

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the European Union ‘’condemns in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation.’’

‘’We demand President Putin to cease Russian military operations immediately and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. Russia bears full responsibility for this act of aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it will cause. It will be held accountable for its actions,’’ he added.

‘’Russia’s military attack against Ukraine – an independent and sovereign State – is a flagrant violation of international law and the core principles on which the international rules-based order is buil,’’ he stated.

On Wednesday, before the invasion,  Israel said it shares the concern of the international community regarding steps taken in eastern Ukraine and that it supports the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Ukraine.

‘’Israel hopes for a diplomatic solution which will lead to calm, and is willing to help if asked,’’ Lior Hayat, spopkesperson of the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement.

‘’Israel is concerned about the welfare of thousands of Israeli citizens living in Ukraine and the welfare of the large Jewish community in the country,’’ the statement said.

‘’Israel is ready and willing to immediately transfer humanitarian assistance to Ukraine according to its needs and is in contact with the Ukrainian authorities regarding the matter,’’ it added.

‘’Israel is continuing to engage in dialogue with its partners on ways to get the diplomatic efforts back on track,’’ the spokesperson concluded.

The statement, which didn’t make any mention of Russia, came about a day and a half after President Putin recognized the independence of two regions of Ukraine and said the country has no right to exist, supported “the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of Ukraine.”

‘’Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz mulled over what kind of statement to release that would not undermine military coordination with Russia in Syria,’’ The Jerusalem Post reported.

Lapid has said the foreign inistry is being especially cautious out of concern for the large Jewish communities in Russia and Ukraine.

The ministry has called on all Israeli citizens in Ukraine to leave for countries to the west.

Around 8,000 Israelis remain in Ukraine. Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky said that Israel “is asking Israelis to reach the border crossing with Poland independently.’’

The Israeli embassy in Ukraine has moved tothe city of Lviv in the west of the country near the Polish border.

”Even if Israel prefers to sit on the fence, it must side with Washington’s position in light of the special relations between them and the American commitment to its security,’’ wrote experts from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, in a commentary analysis of the situation.

‘’It is recommended that Israel refrain from a confrontation with the administration, certainly in public, even if a new nuclear agreement with Iran is achieved. At the same time, at this stage Israel should maintain channels of dialogue with Moscow to the extent possible – including due to the essential need to avoid military friction in the northern arena,’’ the experts added, in a reference to the Syrian military theatre.