Netanyahu, Zelensky discuss Ukrainian refugees, Israeli pilgrims to Uman in phone call

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing the possibility of additional Israeli police forces arriving at Hasidic pilgrimage sites in Ukraine.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, they discussed Israeli aid to Ukraine and the civil alert system Israel is building for the state.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of Israel's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The President also thanked Israel for providing shelter to Ukrainian citizens who fled to Israel amid Russia's full-scale war.

The Ukrainian leader raised the issue of the increasing number of denials of entry to Israel to Ukrainian citizens under the visa-free regime between the two countries and emphasized the need to remedy this situation.

Netanyahu also brought up the importance of ensuring that Jewish worshipers heading to Uman for the Rosh Hashanah holiday can reach the city to pray at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a revered Hasidic leader who died in 1810. Tens of thousands of worshipers are expected to make the annual journey to Uman.

The Israeli side estimates that about 50,000 Hasidic pilgrims may arrive in Uman this year.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that the bomb shelters at the pilgrimage sites in Uman can only accommodate about 11,000 people.

At the same time, with the constant threat of attacks by Russian missiles and Iranian drones, this year's pilgrimage will be accompanied by high-security risks.

Hours before the call, Ukraine blasted Israel for a film deal it signed with Russia the day before, accusing Jerusalem of "collaboration" and aiding Moscow in spreading its propaganda.

Previously, Zelensky held talks with British PM Rishi Sunak on Odesa air defenses amid intensified Russian strikes.