Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Israel of knowingly allowing grain allegedly stolen by Russia to be unloaded at Israeli ports, threatening potential sanctions. This accusation escalates tensions between the two nations following the docking of a vessel carrying disputed cargo in Haifa Bay.
Allegations Regarding Stolen Grain Shipments
President Zelensky stated that the unloading of grain, which Kyiv claims was looted from occupied Ukrainian territories, constitutes an illegal act. He asserted that Israeli authorities cannot ignore the cargo being brought into the country's ports.
- Key Claim: Zelensky stated that purchasing stolen goods, specifically grain looted by Russia, is an act with legal liability.
- Evidence Cited: The controversy centers around the vessel Panormitis, which was reported to have anchored in Haifa Bay.
- Frequency: Ukraine alleges this is the second such shipment docking in Haifa this month.
Israeli Response and Counterarguments
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, challenged Ukraine's claims, accusing Kyiv of engaging in what he termed "Twitter diplomacy." Israeli officials emphasized the need for due process and legal procedure.
- Legal Hurdles: An anonymous Israeli official noted that Israel cannot seize shipments without due process, requiring a formal legal assistance request from Ukraine's attorney general.
- Official Stance: Israeli tax authorities are reportedly examining the matter, and the Panormitis vessel had not yet docked when these statements were made.
- Ukrainian Rebuttal: A Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected the need for formal requests, stating that Ukraine had "exhausted all closed channels and official diplomatic requests."
Broader Context and International Reaction
Kyiv has consistently accused Moscow of systematically looting Ukraine's agricultural resources since the full-scale invasion began. The issue has drawn attention from international bodies.
- Internal Reports: An investigative report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz suggested that at least four shipments of illegal grain had docked in Israel that year, with such deliveries reportedly ongoing since 2023.
- Diplomatic Action: Ukraine's Foreign Minister summoned the Israeli ambassador in Kyiv to protest what he deemed a failure in appropriate response, arguing it harmed bilateral relations.
- EU Involvement: The European Union weighed in, requesting additional information from Israeli authorities and warning that it is prepared to impose sanctions on any parties found to be facilitating illegal funding for Russia's war effort.
