Israel Receives Protest Note from Ukraine Over Import of Grain Stolen by Russia

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry Takes Action on Stolen Grain Imports

According to Главком: Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally delivered a protest note to Israel’s Ambassador Michael Brodsky, condemning the import of agricultural goods illegally taken by Russia from Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories. Kyiv is demanding that Israeli authorities act immediately to halt the import of this stolen grain and prevent its unloading at Israeli ports.

According to Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, the schemes used to conceal the grain’s origin include ship-to-ship transfers in the Black Sea. These cargoes continue reaching Israeli ports and entering commercial circulation, which deeply concerns the Ukrainian side. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has already sent official requests for international legal assistance, including demands to detain vessels and their cargoes.

Recent Developments Involving the Vessel Panormitis

The ship Panormitis arrived at the Israeli port of Haifa carrying 6,200 tons of wheat and over 19,000 tons of barley. It reached Haifa at approximately 01:07 Kyiv time on April 27. The vessel had been anchored at the port of Kavkaz in Russian territorial waters, with cargo documents processed at the Russian port of Temryuk. The ship had previously loaded its cargo in Berdiansk.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has pointed to Russia’s creation of a large-scale shadow fleet that facilitates the illegal removal of Ukrainian resources. The ministry emphasized that these are not isolated incidents but a systematic practice, showing signs of deliberate facilitation of unlawful economic activity linked to the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories, as well as sanctions evasion.

“We stress that this issue is not limited to Israel: Ukraine is systematically responding to and countering such Russian activities across all regions.” - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The European Union is also considering imposing sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities involved in receiving Russian ships carrying stolen Ukrainian grain. This situation underscores the need for robust international cooperation to combat the illicit trade of resources belonging to Ukraine.

This case highlights the gravity of the situation surrounding imports of agricultural products looted from Ukraine’s occupied territories. Israel’s actions could affect not only bilateral ties but also the broader international community’s commitment to upholding international law. The issue is gaining urgency as Ukraine and other nations intensify efforts to dismantle the illegal economic networks tied to Russia’s aggression.

In light of these developments, it is important to note that Ukraine has previously raised similar concerns regarding the importation of stolen grain by Russian vessels, prompting official appeals to Israel. For a deeper understanding of Ukraine's ongoing diplomatic efforts and the implications of these actions, you can read more about Ukraine's appeals to Israel concerning Russian ships carrying illicit grain.