After the full-scale invasion of Russia, thousands of Ukrainians went abroad in search of temporary protection. Some of them chose countries that were not at war at the time, but now themselves have become the center of an armed conflict. Israel and Iran, states that have been in a state of deep confrontation for a long time, are now waging an open war. Against the background of continuous missile attacks, airstrikes and mutual military operations, the civilian population of these countries, including Ukrainian refugees, was under direct threat. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine officially called on citizens who are in the territory of Israel and Iran to leave the region immediately.
The active phase of the war between Israel and Iran
Since the beginning of April 2025, the confrontation between Israel and Iran has entered a new phase — regular airstrikes, destruction of military facilities, drone attacks, and direct missile attacks. On the night of April 14, for the first time in history, Iran carried out a full-scale missile-drone attack on the territory of Israel, launching more than 300 munitions. Some of them were intercepted by air defense systems, but direct hits were recorded. Israel retaliated by striking a strategic facility in Iran — a military complex near Isfahan, which is linked to the country’s nuclear program.
Since then, regular shelling, drone attacks and mutual threats have become a daily reality. Israel has repeatedly warned about its readiness to strike Iranian territory in the event of further provocations. In response, Tehran intensified the mobilization of military units and openly threatens a large-scale response. At the same time, both countries expanded hostilities outside their territories — in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and in the Red Sea.
The war has been going on for several weeks now, with direct threats to the civilian population, blocking of airspace, disruption of air traffic and general mobilization of both states.
Position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: urgent warning
Against this background, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine addressed citizens with a clear warning. IN recommendations, published on June 17, the department emphasized: in connection with the sharp worsening of the security situation in the region, all Ukrainians who are in the territory of Israel and Iran are urged to urgently leave these countries by all available means.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine separately appeals to those who are currently in the territory of Israel or Iran, calling on them to maintain maximum vigilance, to carefully monitor the official messages of the competent authorities of the host countries, not to ignore the air warning signals, immediately go to shelter, strictly observe all security measures, and also to always carry identification documents.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports:
“In the context of the general danger, the diplomatic institutions of Ukraine in the region — the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Iran — are working on the formation of evacuation lists and working out options for the safe departure of citizens from the territories of hostilities. Current information on possible evacuation routes has already been made public on the official information resources of both embassies:
- Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18iJfK5P51/
- Embassy of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DregPYAJ7/
It is specified separately: in the event of an emergency, or in the presence of a direct threat to life or health, citizens must immediately contact the nearest foreign diplomatic institution of Ukraine. Their list, addresses and contacts are available at the following link: https://tripadvisor.mfa.gov.ua/
In addition, the 24-hour “hotline” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is open for emergency calls:
phone: +38-044-238-15-88
e-mail: cons_or@mfa.gov.ua”.
The Ukrainian diplomatic service emphasizes: prompt decision-making on departure, registration on evacuation lists and close communication with consulates are critically important steps in the rapidly changing situation on the ground.
Ukrainian refugees in Israel
According to official data released by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk, about 12,000-13,000 Ukrainian refugees arrived in Israel after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. These are women, children, elderly people who were looking for a temporary shelter, hoping for a calmer rear. Most of them stayed in big cities — Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, partly in Ashdod, Netanya and Beer Sheva. Some have already settled their lives, children have gone to school, people have received temporary residence permits.
However, the current security situation completely changes their situation. Air raids, explosions, the threat of repeated attacks, closed schools, disruptions in transport – all this again puts people before the choice: to stay or to flee a second time.
Israel is not a humanitarian zone. This is a country that is waging a full-scale war and itself does not guarantee security even for its own citizens. Ukrainians who found themselves there in the status of temporary protection, de facto again became residents of the war zone. The Embassy of Ukraine urges everyone who is still able to leave to do so as soon as possible.
The situation in Iran is more complicated: there are significantly fewer Ukrainians there – we are primarily talking about employees of consular institutions, religious missions, businesses, and students. In case of further escalation, they may find themselves in conditions where the country will close its borders and Western embassies will stop working. This will mean the absence of any help channels.
Ukrainian refugees, who were fleeing one war, today found themselves in the center of another. In a situation where a full-scale armed war is going on between Israel and Iran, staying in the region means knowingly exposing yourself to mortal danger. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine not only warns, but directly urges: not to waste time. The later the decision to evacuate is made, the less likely it will be to implement it.
