Ukraine Accuses Israel of Importing Grain ‘Stolen’ by Russia

Kyiv has accused Israel of receiving shipments of grain that Ukraine alleges were stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories, sparking a diplomatic dispute. The accusations center around vessels arriving at the port of Haifa with grain originating from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s Accusations and Israeli Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that a vessel carrying grain “stolen by Russia” had arrived at an Israeli port and was preparing to unload. He warned that Israel’s failure to prevent these shipments undermines bilateral relations and suggested potential sanctions against those involved. NPR reported on the exchange.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, rejected Zelenskyy’s comments, characterizing them as “Twitter diplomacy.” Saar stated that Ukraine had not provided sufficient evidence or requested legal assistance to support its claims. BBC News detailed this response.

Details of the Shipments

According to reports, at least four vessels loaded with grain from occupied Ukraine have been unloaded in Israel so far this year. Another vessel was reportedly waiting to enter the port of Haifa as of Sunday. Haaretz identified the importer of the allegedly stolen grain.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador in Kyiv to protest what it described as Israel’s inadequate response to previous shipments of grain. Further, Ukraine warned against accepting additional shipments and the potential harm to bilateral relations.

EU Response and Potential Sanctions

The European Union has indicated its readiness to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the trade of stolen Ukrainian grain, including those facilitating its import into Israel. Euronews reported on the EU’s potential actions.

Russia’s Stance

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the allegations, and Russia has previously denied stealing Ukrainian grain. BBC News included this information in its coverage.

Background: Israel-Ukraine Relations

Israel and Ukraine established diplomatic relations in 1991. Ukraine recognizes the State of Palestine and has voted to condemn Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories at the United Nations. Israel, along with Russia, has voted against UN resolutions affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Despite condemning the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and providing humanitarian aid, Israel has refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia or providing weapons to Ukraine. Ukraine is home to a longstanding Jewish community, and approximately 30,000 Ukrainians reside in Israel.

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine accuses Israel of importing grain stolen by Russia from occupied territories.
• Israel denies the accusations and requests more evidence from Ukraine.
• The EU is considering sanctions related to the trade of stolen Ukrainian grain.
• The dispute highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Russo-Ukrainian War.