Israel announces energy aid to Kyiv on war anniversary

Israel will transfer 117 mobile generators to Ukraine’s Kyiv region, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced during a telephone conversation held on February 24 with Rabbi Meir Stambler, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine (FJCU).

According to Israeli media, the call took place on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During the conversation, Saar said the generators are scheduled to be delivered on February 25. The decision followed discussions between the Israeli and Ukrainian foreign ministers regarding the difficult energy situation in the Kyiv region.

The Israeli minister also asked about the current situation in Ukraine and the condition of Jewish communities across the country. He conveyed his congratulations to the community ahead of the upcoming Purim holiday through Rabbi Stambler.

In response, Stambler expressed gratitude for Israel’s support, the warm dialogue, and the solidarity shown toward both the Ukrainian people and the Jewish community. He noted that Saar’s position strengthens the morale of community members and additionally thanked him for initiating the J50 forum, which brings together leaders of Jewish communities worldwide.

The announcement came as February 24, 2026 marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine — a conflict widely viewed as one of the most consequential wars in Europe since World War II.

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces entered Ukraine from multiple directions, including Belarus, Russia, and Crimea, following months of military buildup. Moscow described the offensive as a “special military operation,” while Kyiv and Western governments condemned it as an unprovoked invasion.

Russia initially attempted a rapid advance toward Kyiv but failed to capture the capital. Ukrainian forces later pushed Russian troops out of northern regions in 2022, after which fighting shifted largely to eastern and southern parts of the country. The war subsequently evolved into a prolonged, high-intensity conflict marked by trench warfare, heavy artillery battles, drone operations, and repeated missile strikes targeting infrastructure.

The conflict has caused extensive destruction across Ukrainian cities, displaced millions of civilians internally and abroad, and resulted in significant military and civilian casualties. Ukraine’s economy has relied heavily on Western financial and military assistance, while Russia has faced sweeping international sanctions.

The war has also reshaped global security dynamics, prompting NATO expansion, increased Western military support for Kyiv, and a sharp deterioration in relations between Russia and Western nations. Multiple diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

By early 2026, front lines remain largely static, with neither side securing a decisive advantage. The conflict continues to influence global energy markets, defence policies, and geopolitical alignments, as Ukraine and its partners mark the anniversary amid ongoing fighting.

By Tamilla Hasanova