Russia on Thursday condemned what it called the “Israeli occupation” of the Golan Heights and said it does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty in the region.

The statement came following Israel’s first official statement of support for Ukraine in the unfolding crisis and appeared to be a Russian message to Israel. Moscow no longer recognize Jewish sovereignty over the Golan heights in northern Syria.

Moscow holds much sway in Syria and allows Jerusalem freedom of action in the country to prevent Iranian entrenchment along its northern border as part of the tight security cooperation between the countries.

Russia criticized Israeli settlement expansion plans in the Golan Heights.

“We’re concerned over Tel Aviv’s announced plans for expanding settlement activity in the occupied #GolanHeights, which contradicts the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention,” the Russian mission to the UN tweeted.

A resolution by the UN Security Council, of which Russia is a permanent member, states: “The Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect.”

“Russia doesn’t recognize Israel’s sovereignty over Golan Heights that are part of #Syria.”

Russia condemned what it called the “Israeli occupation” of the Golan Heights and said it does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty in the region.