Ukraine Urges Israel To Seize Vessel Carrying ‘Stolen’ Grain From Russian-Occupied Territories

Ukraine has asked Israel to seize a cargo vessel it claims is carrying grain taken from areas occupied by Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a vessel carrying what he described as grain “stolen by Russia” had reached an Israeli port and was preparing to unload.

Ukrainian authorities identified the vessel as Panormitis, sailing under a Panamanian flag and heading to Haifa.

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said the country had formally asked Israel to take action against the vessel.

He said Ukraine requested Israeli authorities to seize the ship and its cargo, check documents, take grain samples, and question the crew.

He also stated that part of the cargo had been transferred from another vessel and may have originated from Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions.

Ukraine said it had been raising the issue through diplomatic channels and had repeatedly asked Israel to act on the vessel.

Israel responded by questioning the claims. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Ukraine had not provided evidence to prove the grain came from occupied territory.

He criticised Kyiv for making public statements before submitting a formal request, adding that the request had now been received and was being reviewed by the relevant authorities.

The company managing the vessel, based in Greece, denied the allegations. A representative said all documents, including the certificate of origin, showed the cargo was Russian and not taken from Ukrainian territories.

Ukraine also said it had earlier raised concerns about another vessel, Abinsk, which it believed was carrying similar grain. According to Kyiv, that ship was allowed to unload and leave Israel despite its objections.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Israel has tried to maintain ties with both sides. It has provided humanitarian support to Ukraine but has avoided stronger steps such as sanctions or supplying weapons.

Ukraine has for some time accused Russia of taking grain from occupied regions, including areas seized after 2022 and Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and selling it on global markets.

EU officials said they are aware of claims that a vessel linked to Russia carried grain into Israel and that such cases are being looked at.

The bloc has indicated it could consider action against individuals or companies involved if links to such trade are confirmed. Israel is now reviewing Ukraine’s request.

References: The Guardian, Al Jazeera