Ukraine Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Stolen Grain Shipments

A second shipment of Ukrainian grain taken by Russia has reportedly arrived at the port of Haifa, renewing tensions with Israel over the handling of looted exports from occupied Ukrainian territories. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Grain is loaded aboard a cargo ship at the Azov Sea Port, Rostov region, on July 22, 2023. (Photo by AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine has summoned Israel’s ambassador after reports that a second shipment of Ukrainian grain looted by Russia from occupied territories arrived at the port of Haifa, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Monday. In a statement posted on X , Sybiha said the ambassador was called to the Foreign Ministry to receive a formal protest note and a request for “appropriate action,” according to Ukrinform . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Sybiha said Ukraine values its relationship with Israel but warned that Russia’s illegal trade in stolen agricultural products should not undermine bilateral ties. “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,” Sybiha wrote. “Now that another such vessel has arrived in Haifa, we once again warn Israel against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations.” On Sunday, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the cargo ship Panormitis, which it said was transporting grain from occupied Ukrainian territory, was awaiting permission to dock in the port of Haifa. The outlet also said that four shipments of grain from occupied Ukrainian territories have already been unloaded in Israel this year. Earlier this month, Sybiha raised the issue directly with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, after a Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian agricultural products docked at an Israeli port. Other Topics of Interest Russia Uses Foliage as Cover to Probe Ukrainian Lines: New Twist in Battlefield Tactics Ukrainian search‑and‑strike operations are containing Russian advances across many frontline areas, as troops attempt to use spring foliage to hide their movements. According to Kateryna Yaresko , a journalist with the SeaKrime investigative project of the Myrotvorets Center, Israel allowed the Russian bulk carrier ABINSK to enter Haifa in early April, delivering 43,700 tons of wheat taken from occupied Ukrainian territories. Ukrainian officials said Israel later informed Kyiv that it was too late to detain the vessel , as it had already departed the port. Since then, the Prosecutor General’s Office has requested international legal assistance from Israel to apply relevant legal mechanisms under Israeli jurisdiction and take steps to seize the shipment. Israeli authorities have not publicly clarified whether the shipment has been placed under administrative hold or whether any further action is being considered. Amid these developments, Kyiv is awaiting a response from Israel regarding news of another shipment of Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has not commented on the reports. Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.