‘This Is Not Business’: Zelensky Slams Grain Scheme, Prepares Sanctions Over Israel Shipment

Zelensky warns of new sanctions after another ship carrying allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain reaches Israel, urging action against buyers and transporters in the scheme. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (Photo by Zelenskiy / Official) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine, amid the arrival of a second ship carrying grain allegedly stolen by Russia to Israel , has begun preparing a new package of sanctions against companies involved in the scheme, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. In a Telegram post, he wrote: Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Acquisition of stolen goods in all normal countries is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia .” Zelensky stressed that another ship carrying such grain had arrived at an Israeli port and was preparing to be unloaded. “This is not and cannot be pure business. The Israeli authorities cannot but know which ships and with what cargo arrive at the country’s ports,” the president said. He added that Russia systematically seizes grain in occupied Ukrainian territory and organizes its export through individuals “connected with the occupiers.” Zelensky insisted that such transactions violate the legislation of the State of Israel itself and that Ukraine has taken all necessary steps through diplomatic channels to prevent such incidents. “However, we see that another such ship has not been stopped. I have instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to inform all partners of our state about the situation,” he wrote. “Ukraine, based on information from our intelligence, is preparing an appropriate sanctions package that will cover both those who directly transport this grain and those individuals and legal entities who are trying to make money from such a criminal scheme,” Zelensky added. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Names Steven Seagal as Illegal Arms Recipient in Smuggling Probe Ukrainian police said it cracked a major arms smuggling network moving arms between Ukraine and Europe, at the same time naming a list of Russian propagandists as recipients of the trophy weapons. According to him, the package will be coordinated with European partners so that the relevant individuals are included in EU sanctions regimes. “We expect the Israeli authorities to respect Ukraine and not take steps that weaken bilateral relations,” Zelensky said. Vladyslav Vlasyuk, presidential representative on sanctions policy, told Kyiv Post that Russia continues to seek buyers for stolen Ukrainian grain, using occupied ports as a stable supply channel. “The data for March-April 2026 clearly confirms this,” he said. According to Vlasyuk, this activity has already received a partial sanctions response, and a significant number of vessels operating on these routes are under restrictions by Ukraine, the EU, and the US, including: Matros Pozynich, Severniy Proect, Damas Wave, Novaya Zemlya, Fedor, Princess Eva, Mys Zhelaniya, Zaid, Victoria K, Victoria V, Don, and Asomatos. At the same time, he emphasized that the sanction status of a vessel alone does not stop sales. When restrictions are imposed, routes are simply changed. “After Egypt refused to accept the ZAID due to EU sanctions, the ship was simply redirected to Turkey. At the same time, Egypt itself continued to accept other supplies, in particular from Mariupol, including shipments by vessels subject to sanctions,” he said. According to Vlasyuk, another model is being used in parallel – through ships not currently under sanctions: “Israel is already involved in this scheme. The ASOMATOS, ABINSK, PANORMITIS ships enter markets after transshipment in the Kerch Strait area, where the grain is mixed. According to available data, about 30% of such cargo is from occupied territories.” Vlasyuk added that Russia is adapting to restrictions by changing routes and redistributing its fleet, but not stopping exports. That is why sanctions should target not only vessels, but also any purchase of such grain, he emphasized. “This means further listing the grain carriers involved in sanctions regimes and applying secondary sanctions to buyers. In parallel, this work is being carried out diplomatically and within the framework of international law. Without this, the scheme will continue to operate,” he added. Ukraine has summoned Israel’s ambassador , Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Monday, after reports that a second shipment of Ukrainian grain looted by Russia from occupied territories arrived at the port of Port of Haifa. Sybiha said Israel’s ambassador was called in to receive a formal protest note and a request for “appropriate action.” He warned that Russia’s illegal trade in stolen agricultural products should not undermine Ukraine’s ties with Israel. “It is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of response… we once again warn against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations,” he wrote. According to Haaretz, the cargo ship Panormitis carrying grain from occupied territories was awaiting permission to dock in Haifa. The outlet added that four such shipments have already been unloaded in Israel this year. Earlier, Sybiha raised the issue with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar after a Russian vessel delivered stolen grain to Israel. Investigators say the bulk carrier ABINSK brought over 43,000 tons of wheat in early April. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office has requested legal assistance from Israel to seize the cargo, but Israeli authorities have not clarified whether any action has been taken. Julia is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.