The European Union is contemplating sanctions against Israeli individuals and entities allegedly facilitating Russia’s circumvention of international restrictions. This decision follows revelations about Ukrainian grain, reportedly stolen by Russia, being imported into Israel.
According to a report by Haaretz, the EU’s condemnation stems from an investigation that revealed how grain seized from occupied Ukrainian territories is being transported to Israel. An EU foreign affairs spokesperson, Anouar El Anouani, stated that the bloc is aware of a Russian shadow fleet vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain that was allowed to unload in Haifa, despite prior communications between Ukraine and Israeli authorities regarding the matter.
El Anouani emphasized that the EU is prepared to add individuals and companies from third countries to its sanctions list if their involvement is confirmed. He remarked, “We condemn all actions that help finance Russia’s illegal military efforts and circumvent EU sanctions, and we remain ready to take action against such activities by including individuals and entities in third countries on our sanctions lists if necessary.”
In addition, the EU, in collaboration with Ukraine, has requested detailed information from Israeli authorities concerning the grain imports. Reports indicate that the bulk carrier Panormitis recently docked in Haifa, likely carrying wheat and barley from occupied Ukrainian regions.
A diplomatic source revealed that Ukraine had warned Israel about potential deterioration in bilateral relations due to the arrival of the Panormitis with Ukrainian grain. On April 28, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially summoned the Israeli ambassador to deliver a note of protest regarding another vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain that had reached Haifa.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that the country is investigating the allegations presented in the report and is maintaining diplomatic communication with Ukraine. Ukraine has also lodged an official protest against the unloading of the Russian vessel in Haifa.
Previously, from April 12 to 14, the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk unloaded stolen Ukrainian grain at the Haifa port. At that time, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had alerted Israel about the potential origin of the grain aboard the vessel and stressed the unacceptability of such operations.
Additionally, Kyiv has requested international legal assistance from Israel to seize the stolen grain shipment. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia systematically exports grain grown in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories and sells it on international markets as Russian exports. To facilitate this, Russia utilizes the infrastructure of occupied ports in the Azov and Black Seas, particularly the Sevastopol port. Over 2 million tons of grain have been exported from occupied Ukrainian territories by Russia in 2025, with approximately 1.4 million tons shipped in the second half of the year.
The EU is considering sanctions against Israel for allegedly facilitating the import of stolen Ukrainian grain. This follows investigations revealing Russian vessels transporting grain from occupied territories to Israeli ports, prompting Ukraine to protest and request information from Israel.