The Case of the Russian Bulk Carrier ABINSK
Ukraine has formally requested that Israel investigate the Russian bulk carrier ABINSK, which docked at the port of Haifa carrying grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territories. The Ukrainian government provided intelligence data, secured a warrant for the vessel's arrest, and called for a full inquiry. The ABINSK entered the port on April 12 after awaiting Israeli permission since March 23.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel expressed profound concern regarding this incident. The vessel is linked to Russia's shadow fleet and was carrying 43,765.18 tons of wheat shipped from occupied Ukrainian ports. Ukraine's Prosecutor General raised the issue directly during a meeting with Israel's ambassador in Kyiv.
International Response
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also discussed the matter in a phone call with Israeli Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Ukrainian intelligence had monitored the vessel's preparations to leave the Black Sea, and a dossier compiled in March was submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. The Jerusalem Post first reported on the incident.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized: 'I stressed that the illegal export of stolen Ukrainian agricultural products is part of Russia's broader military efforts.'
Commenting on the situation, Kateryna Yaresko noted: 'ABINSK (IMO: 9303869) was received in Haifa (Israel) with a cargo of 43,765.18 tons of wheat from the occupied territories of Ukraine. The vessel loaded at the anchorage of the port of Kavkaz, with the cargo delivered from occupied Ukrainian ports.'
This incident follows a recent diplomatic development. On April 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Egypt had decided to stop accepting similar cargo shipments from Russia. 'President Al-Sisi informed me that Egypt will no longer accept grain exported by Russia from our temporarily occupied territories and is simultaneously interested in increasing grain imports from Ukraine. I am grateful for this decision,' Zelenskyy said.
The detailed background of the incident points to serious violations of international law and the continuation of Russia's aggressive policy toward Ukraine.
This case underscores the critical need for international cooperation to combat illicit trade, especially during war and occupation. Ukraine's appeal to Israel may serve as a signal to other nations about the necessity of adhering to international norms regarding exports from occupied territories. The international community's response to such cases can significantly influence future developments in the region.
This alarming situation is not isolated. Recently, Ukraine has expressed its concerns over another incident involving a Russian vessel in Haifa. For further details on the implications of these developments and the international response, read more about Ukraine's alarm regarding the Russian ship carrying stolen grain.