Ukraine Claims Diplomatic Win as ‘Stolen Grain’ Ship Denied Unloading in Israel

Ukraine says diplomatic pressure stopped the Panormitis from unloading in Israel, as Kyiv escalates efforts to target vessels linked to alleged stolen grain shipments. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha talks to jouralists prior to an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, in Brussels on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine says its legal and diplomatic efforts have prevented the vessel Panormitis, which it links to the transport of grain from occupied territories, from unloading in Israel . Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, in a post on X said the development shows “a welcome result” of Ukraine’s actions against the so-called shadow grain trade. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “This demonstrates that Ukraine’s legal and diplomatic actions have been effective,” he wrote. Sybiha said the Panormitis was involved in the illegal transport of grain taken from Ukraine’s occupied territories, and warned international actors against engaging with such shipments. “This is also a clear signal to all other vessels, captains, operators, insurers, and governments: do not buy stolen Ukrainian grain. Do not become part of this crime,” he said. Ukraine’s foreign minister added that Ukraine continues to monitor the vessel and will keep issuing warnings to prevent any related operations. “We will also continue to ramp up international sanctions measures against Russia’s shadow grain fleet,” Sybiha said. Earlier, Newsru.co.il outlet reported that an Israeli importer refused to unload grain allegedly stolen in Ukraine due to the risk of international sanctions. According to the report, the company Centsiper, one of the largest grain importers in Israel, declined a shipment whose delivery to the port of Haifa had triggered a diplomatic dispute with Ukraine. Other Topics of Interest US Pledges $100M to Repair Chornobyl Radiation Shield Washington said the funds would cover 20 percent of the estimated $500 million needed to restore the damaged New Safe Confinement arch after a Russian drone strike. The outlet added that Centsiper informed the supplier that it would need to find an alternative port for unloading. Israeli importers are reportedly concerned about potential European sanctions and have accused the government of lacking adequate assistance and information support. Ukraine has sent a formal request to Israel seeking the arrest of a vessel suspected of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said on Wednesday. The request concerns the vessel Panormitis, which Ukrainian investigators say is part of a scheme to legalize grain illegally exported from Russian-occupied territories. Kyiv has asked Israeli authorities to detain the ship, search it, seize documents, collect grain samples, and question crew members. Prosecutors say the vessel is carrying grain partially sourced from occupied Ukrainian regions and is currently heading to the Port of Haifa. The case is being investigated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 1.7 million tons of agricultural products worth over Hr.20 billion ($454 million) have been illegally exported from occupied territories, according to prosecutors. Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns over grain shipments allegedly taken from occupied areas arriving in Israel. Earlier, Sybiha said Kyiv had summoned Israel’s ambassador and issued a formal protest over cargo reported at the Port of Haifa. According to Israeli news outlet Haaretz, the vessel was awaiting permission to dock, while similar shipments had already been unloaded earlier this year. Ukraine has requested Israeli legal assistance to seize the cargo. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is preparing sanctions against companies involved in transporting such grain , warning it amounts to handling stolen goods. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has denied the accusations, saying Israel has seen no evidence and rejecting what he called “Twitter diplomacy.” He added that the vessel has not yet entered port or submitted documents, and stressed that Israel would act only on verified legal evidence. 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.