Ukraine Seeks More Proactive Support From Israel in its War Against Russia

Ukraine today revealed that it wants more proactive support from Israel. It was made known as Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhalio Fedorov when he briefed the press about the current state of the country.

Amid the crisis, most nations have their support for the afflicted state by sending military aid. However, there has been little to no support on cyber security. To bridge this need, DPM Fedorov is calling on the Middle East country for help.

The minister highlighted a way Israel could offer proactive support. He stated that Ukraine could really use some cyberoffense technology which the said country could supply. They include the now-infamous Pegasus spyware made by the NSO Group.

Not only is the crisis affected nation calling on the Israeli government, it is also calling on individuals and companies. Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, made these statements in a Zoom call Monday as the Russian bombardment of his country neared its fourth week.

Reports have it that Israeli cyber exports are overseen by the Defense Ministry. It remains unclear if they will get the solicited support as when asked if Israeli cyberfirms can supply Ukraine with technology, a ministry spokesperson refused to respond, saying it does not comment on specific countries.

Odds are not in favor of the aid-seeking nation as it has never been a client of NSO, which is best known for its Pegasus spyware that allows clients to snoop on targets by secretly accessing their cellphones. Israel has long rejected official requests from Ukraine to receive NSO’s spyware system, will this time be different?

As Russia pushes further, Ukraine will look to every source to retaliate. The spyware system could be an avenue to that – hence the continued call from the affected country to get supplied the needed material.