Ukraine Calls on Israel to Vet Delivery of Stolen Ukrainian Grain

The shipment's ultimate destination remains unclear, raising questions about whether the cargo is intended for domestic consumption or onward distribution. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The sun sets in Haifa, northern Israel, on March 16, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) / Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine has reacted to reports that the Russian cargo vessel “Avinsk” has arrived at the Port of Haifa carrying a shipment of wheat allegedly originating from a temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The reaction came following a report by investigative journalist Kateryna Yaresko of the SeaKrime project at the Center “Myrotvorets,” who pointed out that the vessel is carrying a cargo of wheat – 43,765.18 tonnes – from the occupied territories of Ukraine, loaded at the anchorage of Russia’s Kavkaz port. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . In a comment to Kyiv Post, the Embassy of Ukraine in Israel expressed “deep concern” regarding the vessel’s arrival, describing it as “a blatant violation of international law and its territorial sovereignty.” The embassy underscored that it expects all its partners, including Israel, to demonstrate solidarity and uphold the principles of international law and justice. “We call on the Israeli authorities to thoroughly examine the matter, act in accordance with their international obligations, and ensure that the territory of the State of Israel is not used as a route for the transfer of goods originating from unlawful activities,” the embassy said. While the Port of Haifa primarily serves Israel, it also functions as a regional logistics hub, feeding goods into nearby markets. Other Topics of Interest Kremlin Downplays Orbán Ties, Seeks Dialogue With Hungary’s New Leadership Russia said it was never closely aligned with outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and remains open to pragmatic relations with Hungary’s new pro‑EU leadership. This includes the West Bank, with goods transported onward overland, as well as transshipment routes to Jordan and, in some cases, further into the region. Other logistical routes used in global grain supply chains – such as the Strait of Hormuz – are currently facing disruptions amid the ongoing Iran war, increasing the strategic importance of Mediterranean entry points like Haifa. Against this backdrop, the shipment’s ultimate destination remains unclear, raising questions about whether the cargo is intended for domestic consumption or onward distribution. More broadly, Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of systematically exporting grain from occupied territories since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, framing such shipments as part of a wider pattern of economic exploitation. Since Feb. 24, 2022, Israel has provided limited but notable support to Kyiv, including high-level diplomatic engagement such as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Kyiv in the summer of 2025. Despite this cooperation, tensions between Kyiv and Jerusalem have periodically surfaced, including over positions taken by Israel during key UN votes. Lesia Dubenko is a Ukrainian political scientist and analyst. A graduate of Lund University (MSc in European Affairs), she covers issues relating to international affairs, migration, and disinformation.