Ukraine fears Russia will exploit hockey game in Israel to promote its international standing

The Ukrainian Embassy in Israel sent an official letter of protest to Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar over an exhibition hockey game scheduled to take place in Ashdod on Sunday evening, warning that Moscow could exploit the event to promote its international standing despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.The Ukrainians fear that Moscow will use the event, intended to mark 35 years since the renewal of diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia, to portray itself as returning to normal relations on the international stage despite the war in Ukraine. In the letter sent to Zohar, the embassy called on Israeli authorities to examine the participants' identities, the event's funding sources, and their possible ties to Russian government officials.The game, titled "Russian Hockey Legends vs. Israeli Stars," is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Blue Ice Arena in Ashdod. Among those expected to participate is Vyacheslav Fetisov, a former hockey star and member of the Russian parliament who is subject to international sanctions. His possible attendance is one of the central concerns raised by the Ukrainian Embassy with the minister.The letter, signed by Hennadiy Breskalenko, deputy head of Ukraine's diplomatic mission in Israel, states that the participation of prominent Russian representatives in a public event raises "serious political, moral and reputational concerns"