Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Warns of 'Growing Frustration' Over Stolen Grain Imports

Ukraine's diplomatic mission in Israel is voicing significant frustration over the alleged illicit trade of grain originating from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, a matter that is increasingly straining bilateral relations. Ambassador Yevgen Korniychuk has made it clear that Kyiv views this issue not merely as a trade dispute, but as a violation of international law and a direct consequence of Russia's ongoing aggression.

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The aim is to open criminal proceedings against all possible parties involved; traders, exporters, and offshore entities that may have enabled breaches,” Ambassador Yevgen Korniychuk said.

The Ukrainian Embassy has formally lodged a complaint with Israeli police, seeking to initiate criminal proceedings against traders, exporters, and offshore entities implicated in the alleged scheme. Ambassador Korniychuk insists that the grain, loaded in ports such as Sevastopol and Mariupol—currently under Russian occupation—was falsely declared as Russian-origin. He argues that Israeli importers should have recognized the falsified certificates of origin, given the circumstances of the cargo's loading.

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The importer was supposed to know the certificate of origin was fake.

This dispute has put Israel in a difficult position, as its authorities have cited insufficient evidence to prove the grain's Ukrainian origin. However, Ambassador Korniychuk counters that Ukraine has provided substantial intelligence, including satellite imagery, to substantiate its claims. He further accuses Russian actors of employing sophisticated tactics, such as disabling vessel transponders and rerouting shipments through third countries, to obscure the grain's true provenance.

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That is simply not true. It came from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. How else can you explain cargo loaded in Sevastopol and Mariupol?

From Ukraine's perspective, this issue transcends the simple movement of agricultural goods. It represents a broader principle of international legal cooperation and a test of solidarity from friendly nations. Ukraine argues that it is physically impossible to gather definitive evidence from occupied territories during wartime, making the assistance of countries like Israel crucial. The perceived reluctance or inability of Israeli authorities to act decisively, such as seizing vessels or their cargo when they were still in port, has led to a growing sense of disappointment and a feeling that Ukraine is not receiving the full support it expects from an ally.

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These are temporarily occupied territories. This grain is Ukrainian.