Ukraine Summons Israeli Envoy Over Russian Vessel Carrying Stolen Grain

Ukraine has escalated its diplomatic pressure on Israel, summoning the Israeli ambassador to Kyiv to protest the docking of a Russian vessel, the Panormitis, in Haifa Port. The vessel is accused of carrying stolen Ukrainian grain, a matter that has severely strained bilateral relations.

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Friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential to benefit both countries, and Russia’s illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed Ukraine's dismay, stating on X/Twitter that "Russia’s illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine" friendly relations. He highlighted Israel's perceived lack of an appropriate response to previous instances of such shipments arriving in Haifa. "It is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of appropriate response," Sybiha wrote, warning that if the current shipment is accepted, Ukraine reserves the "right to deploy a full suite of diplomatic and international legal responses."

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It is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of appropriate response to Ukraine’s legitimate request regarding the previous vessel that delivered stolen goods to Haifa.

A Ukrainian diplomatic source, speaking anonymously to Reuters, revealed that Israel has reportedly unloaded four shipments of grain from occupied Ukraine this year. The source described the practice of "laundering stolen goods" as unacceptable and criticized Israel for having "essentially shrugged off our demands regarding the previous vessel." This situation presents a significant challenge for Israel, caught between its security needs and its international obligations, while Ukraine insists on protecting its national assets and sovereignty.

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Now that another such vessel has arrived in Haifa, we once again warn Israel against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations.