Ukraine summons Israel’s ambassador over allegedly stolen grain being shipped to Haifa
Ukraine Summons Israel’s Ambassador Over Stolen Grain Shipments
Ukraine summons Israel s ambassador over – Ukraine has summoned Israel’s ambassador to address concerns about a vessel suspected of transporting grain seized from Russian-occupied areas of the country. The ship, registered under Panama, is currently docked near Haifa’s port, prompting Kyiv to demand action. This move highlights growing tensions between the two nations as Ukraine accuses Israel of allowing stolen agricultural products to be exported, potentially financing Russia’s ongoing military campaigns. The incident has reignited discussions about the role of international trade in supporting the war effort in Ukraine.
Diplomatic Pressure and Legal Demands
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has requested an urgent meeting with Israel’s ambassador to present formal protests. Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister, stated that the country will not tolerate inaction on this issue. “Our relations with Israel must not be undermined by the continued export of stolen grain,” he said. Sybiha emphasized that the ‘shadow fleet’—a network allegedly used by Russia to smuggle grain from occupied territories—has been a recurring problem, with Israel’s failure to act on previous shipments now escalating the diplomatic dispute.
“Israel’s reluctance to respond to our earlier requests is unacceptable,” Sybiha remarked. He pointed out that the same vessel, Panormitis, had previously delivered stolen grain to Haifa, and Kyiv is now pushing for Israel to take responsibility. The minister stressed that the grain, which Ukraine claims was taken from areas under Russian control, should be halted from reaching Israeli markets. “We are committed to protecting our national resources and holding accountable those who facilitate their illicit export,” he added.
Tracking the Shadow Fleet’s Operations
The Panormitis, carrying approximately 6,200 tonnes of wheat and 19,000 tonnes of barley, was refilled at the Port of Kavkaz in Russia’s Krasnodar region before heading to Haifa. Ukrainian investigative journalist Kateryna Yaresko from the SeaKrime project noted that the grain likely originated from Berdyansk, a city in the Sea of Azov region now under Russian occupation. Kyiv asserts that these shipments are part of a coordinated effort to bypass sanctions and sustain Russia’s war economy, with the stolen grain potentially used to offset food shortages or fund military operations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has consistently raised alarms about the ‘shadow fleet’ since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The ministry estimates that over 15 million tonnes of grain have been illicitly exported from occupied territories, with Israel being a key destination. The current controversy over the Panormitis comes as Kyiv intensifies pressure on Israel to sever ties with the Russian-backed export system. “We are not willing to let this issue be ignored,” a Ukrainian official said, underscoring the strategic importance of halting the grain flow.
Israel’s Response and Legal Justifications
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, defended the country’s position on social media, stating that evidence for Ukraine’s allegations is still pending. He argued that Kyiv should not use diplomatic channels for public criticism without first presenting concrete proof. “All Israeli authorities act within the rule of law,” Sa’ar claimed, adding that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. However, Ukraine remains unconvinced, accusing Israel of delaying action to shield Russia’s operations.
Meanwhile, the international community has been monitoring the situation closely. The grain shipments, which Ukraine alleges are being used to fund Russia, have raised questions about the effectiveness of sanctions in curbing the war economy. While Israel maintains that it is not directly responsible for the theft, the repeated exports of stolen goods have strained bilateral relations. The dispute over the Panormitis is now a focal point in the broader geopolitical battle over Ukraine’s resources and Russia’s influence in global trade networks. Ukraine’s summons of Israel’s ambassador signals a determination to hold the country accountable for its role in this controversy.
