Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has characterized the decision not to unload the Russian bulk carrier Panormitis, which reportedly carried grain stolen from occupied Ukrainian territories, as a positive development. He emphasized that Ukraine will continue to monitor the vessel, currently in neutral waters, and cautioned other nations against engaging with it.
Sybiha stated that the inability of the Panormitis to offload its cargo in Haifa reflects the success of Ukraine’s legal and diplomatic efforts. In a social media post, he warned,
“This is a clear signal to all other vessels, captains, operators, insurers, and governments: do not purchase stolen Ukrainian grain. Do not become complicit in this crime. We continue to monitor this vessel and warn everyone against any cooperation with it.”
He further indicated that Ukraine would intensify sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet involved in the export of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories.
Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko added that the vessel’s movement into neutral waters does not halt the criminal proceedings against those involved. He noted,
“The fact of the offense has been recorded at the international level. Thus, the further movement of the vessel, its cargo, and the actions of individuals involved in this scheme will remain subjects of legal response in any jurisdiction that recognizes the rule of law and respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
Kravchenko mentioned that Ukraine is actively tracking all Russian vessels and will utilize available mechanisms of international legal cooperation to seize assets and identify all participants in the scheme.
Israeli media reported that the importer company Tsentsiper declined to unload grain from the Panormitis due to concerns about potential EU sanctions. According to MarineTraffic, as of 12:10 PM Kyiv time, the Panormitis had lifted anchor and departed from Haifa.
Previously, the Panormitis had arrived in Haifa with what is believed to be wheat and barley from occupied Ukrainian territories. Diplomatic sources indicated that Ukraine had warned Israel about possible deterioration in bilateral relations due to the vessel’s arrival.
On April 28, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry officially summoned the Israeli ambassador to present a note of protest regarding a second vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain that had reached Haifa. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that the country is investigating the claims and maintaining diplomatic communication with Ukraine.
On April 29, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office sent a package of documents to Israel for the arrest of the Panormitis and its cargo, which is suspected to be part of a scheme to legalize illegally exported Ukrainian grain. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that Kyiv’s request is being reviewed by the appropriate authorities.
Earlier, between April 12 and 14, the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk had unloaded stolen Ukrainian grain in Haifa. At that time, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry had warned Israel about the potential origin of the grain on board and stressed the inadmissibility of such operations.
Ukraine has also requested international legal assistance from Israel to seize this stolen batch of grain. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia systematically exports grain cultivated on temporarily occupied territories and markets it internationally as Russian exports. This operation utilizes the infrastructure of occupied ports in the Azov and Black Seas, particularly the Sevastopol port. In 2025, over 2 million tons of grain were exported from occupied territories, with approximately 1.4 million tons shipped in the second half of the year.
Ukrainian officials have hailed the decision to prevent the unloading of the Russian bulk carrier Panormitis in Haifa as a success of their diplomatic efforts. They continue to monitor the situation and warn against any collaboration with the vessel, emphasizing ongoing legal actions against those involved in the grain theft.