JERUSALEM (Reuters) – The Ukrainian envoy to Israel voiced frustration on Monday with its refusal to offer what his nation deems defensive support towards Russia, donning a helmet at a information convention and asking rhetorically how such gear might be thought to be deadly.

However Ambassador Yevgen Korniychuk additionally voiced gratitude for Israeli efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, saying this outweighed any army help it might need offered.

Whereas condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel has restricted itself to humanitarian aid and stored open channels to Moscow. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held shock talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin there on Saturday.

“The prime minister informed yesterday (that) even when there is only one % (likelihood) of success, he’ll attempt to do it…, something attainable so as to obtain peace,” Koriychuk, talking in English, informed reporters.

“That is way more necessary than, for instance, gross sales of weapons or munitions, et cetera, that we’re nonetheless combating with the Israeli authorities as a facet situation, however due to (Israel’s) limitations – we do perceive them.”

Nonetheless, he stated Ukraine had an unmet request for Israeli protecting vests and helmets, considered one of which he stood to put on his head as he spoke.

“Please inform me, how one can kill with this factor? That is merely not attainable. So I do not know what these individuals are afraid of. To supply private safety for Ukrainians … that is the best factor they will do.”