The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Israeli ambassador to deliver a formal protest regarding a vessel transporting Ukrainian grain from occupied territories. This action was confirmed by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who expressed concerns over the implications for bilateral relations.
Sybiha emphasized that the friendly ties between Ukraine and Israel should not be undermined by the illegal trade of stolen Ukrainian grain by Russia. He noted the lack of a sufficient response from Israel to Ukraine’s legitimate demands concerning a previous ship that delivered seized goods to Haifa.
In a statement on social media platform X, Sybiha warned that with another ship arriving in Haifa carrying similar cargo, Ukraine is once again urging Israel to refrain from accepting stolen grain, as it could harm diplomatic relations.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen remarked that diplomatic matters should not be conducted through social media or the press. He stated, “Accusations are not evidence. Evidence supporting these claims has yet to be provided. You have not even submitted a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks. This matter will be addressed.”
According to Israeli publication Haaretz, the vessel Panormitis, carrying grain from occupied Ukrainian territories, is awaiting permission to dock in Haifa. The report indicates that four shipments of grain from these regions have already been unloaded in Israel this year.
In June 2022, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced that it had initiated an investigation into the illegal export of grain from the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. Journalists from the investigative outlet “Schemes” have traced the routes taken by trucks transporting grain from southern occupied areas to ports in Crimea, where the cargo is transferred to ships.
Ukraine has formally protested to Israel regarding the importation of grain from occupied territories, highlighting concerns about the legality of such shipments. The situation has prompted diplomatic exchanges between both nations as investigations into the matter continue.