The Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General has submitted a request to Israel for the arrest of a Russian vessel, the PANORMITIS, which is suspected of carrying stolen Ukrainian grain. This action highlights ongoing concerns regarding the illegal export of agricultural products from occupied territories in Ukraine.
General Prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko announced that Ukraine has formally requested Israeli authorities to seize the ship and its cargo. The request includes conducting a search, confiscating shipping and cargo documentation, collecting grain samples, and interrogating crew members.
According to investigations, the PANORMITIS is transporting grain that may have been illegally exported from areas of Ukraine currently under occupation. The vessel reportedly loaded its cargo after transferring from another ship and is en route to the Israeli port of Haifa.
Kravchenko emphasized that the ship’s entry into closed Ukrainian ports constitutes a serious violation of both Ukrainian law and international maritime regulations. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is leading the preliminary investigation, with oversight from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
“The era of impunity for looting under foreign flags is over. We continue to systematically identify each violating vessel and work towards holding accountable all those involved in war crimes against Ukraine,” Kravchenko stated.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also addressed the matter, confirming that Ukraine has reached out to Israel through diplomatic and legal channels to take action against the PANORMITIS. He underscored the seriousness of the request, stating, “This is not Twitter diplomacy, but a concrete legal and diplomatic request for international legal assistance that requires a response.”
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression, over 1.7 million tons of agricultural products, valued at more than 20 billion hryvnias, have been illegally exported from occupied areas of Ukraine, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Reports indicate that several shipments of Ukrainian agricultural products, taken unlawfully from occupied territories, have made their way to Israel.
On April 27, Sybiha expressed concern over reports that Israel had accepted a second vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain, prompting the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to summon the Israeli ambassador. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar remarked that diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, should not be conducted through social media or the press.
Ukraine has formally requested Israel to arrest the PANORMITIS, a Russian ship carrying suspected stolen grain. This action reflects ongoing efforts to combat the illegal export of agricultural products from occupied territories amid the ongoing conflict.