Ukraine has issued a warning to Israel regarding the potential deterioration of bilateral relations following the arrival of the bulk carrier Panormitis in Haifa, which is believed to be carrying grain allegedly stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories. This incident marks the second such occurrence in April 2026.
A source within Ukrainian diplomatic circles, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Kyiv is closely monitoring the situation and will demand that Israeli authorities prevent the unloading of the vessel. The source indicated that Ukraine reserves the right to employ international diplomatic and legal mechanisms should the grain be offloaded.
The diplomat characterized the incident as a significant affront, particularly given Ukraine’s previous support for Israel on the international stage. They emphasized that allowing the vessel to unload could have serious repercussions for the two nations’ relations.
“We are keeping a close watch on this new vessel and will not let this go without consequences. If it is permitted to unload, it will have ramifications, especially for our bilateral relations. Israel should not profit from stolen goods,” the source stated.
The Panormitis is reported to have arrived at the Israeli port carrying what is believed to be wheat and barley sourced from occupied Ukrainian territories.
In a related incident, from April 12 to 14, the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk was permitted to unload stolen Ukrainian grain in Haifa. At that time, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had alerted Israeli officials about the possible origin of the grain aboard the vessel, stressing the unacceptability of such operations.
Additionally, Kyiv has requested international legal assistance from Israel to seize this stolen grain shipment.
According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia has been systematically exporting grain cultivated in temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine and selling it on international markets as Russian exports. The Russian Federation is utilizing the infrastructure of occupied ports in the Azov and Black Seas, particularly the port of Sevastopol. In 2025, over 2 million tons of grain were reportedly exported from these occupied territories, with approximately 1.4 million tons shipped in the second half of the year.
Ukraine has cautioned Israel about the implications of unloading a vessel carrying grain believed to be stolen from occupied territories. This follows a similar incident earlier in April, raising concerns over bilateral relations.