Ukrainian President calls on Israel to recognize Holodomor as genocide

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a meeting with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu during the 48th annual session of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"The President of Ukraine drew attention to the commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor (Stalin-era man-made famine) of 1932-1933 in Ukraine in 2018, and noted that Ukraine expected Israel to recognize that tragedy as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. In view of observing the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 in Ukraine and around the world, Petro Poroshenko expressed solidarity with the commemoration of the victims of that terrible tragedy,"  Ukrainian President's website reports.

Poroshenko reiterated his invitation to Benjamin Netanyahu to make an official visit to Ukraine at his convenience, and also expressed gratitude for Israel's support of the UN General Assembly resolution on Crimea in December 2017.
The interlocutors agreed on the need to further intensify economic cooperation between Ukraine and Israel. In this regard, the parties confirmed their willingness to complete negotiations on the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Israel.

The two officials discussed the situation in the Donbas and the need to deploy the UN peacekeeping mission in the separatist-held territories.

Israel has been refraining from recognizing the Holodomor as genocide, pointing out that the issue should be decided not by politicians, but by professionals.