Ukraine, EU threaten Israel with sanctions over Russian grain shipments
A diplomatic crisis is brewing between Ukraine and Israel following the arrival of a Russian-flagged vessel, the Abinsk, at the port of Haifa. Ukrainian intelligence and an open-source monitoring group allege the ship was carrying nearly 44,000 tons of grain stolen from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, which was unloaded between April 12-14. Kyiv states it had alerted Israeli authorities and requested the vessel be detained, but it was allowed to depart. In response, Ukraine has summoned the Israeli ambassador to Kyiv in protest. President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a strongly worded statement, declaring that Israel's purchase of such grain 'cannot be legitimate business' and is a scheme that funds Russia's war effort. He announced that Ukraine is preparing a sanctions package targeting entities and individuals involved in the transport and sale of the grain, promising coordination with European partners. The European Union has echoed Ukraine's condemnation. A European Commission spokesperson stated the EU is 'ready to impose sanctions' on those in third countries, including Israel, who aid in circumventing EU measures and funding Russia's war. However, Israel has formally rejected the allegations. The Israeli Foreign Ministry denied the claims that a Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel carrying stolen grain was allowed to dock, setting the stage for a contentious international dispute.
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Sources
EU 'ready' to sanction Israel over Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain | Euronews
A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Ukraine and Israel following the arrival in Haifa of a Russian vessel reportedly carrying stolen Ukrainian grain. Brussels says it is ready to sanction those involved.
Zelensky threatens sanctions against Israel over Russian "Stolen" Grain Ship arriving at Haifa - i24NEWS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ... against Israel if it allows a Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grains to unload at the port in Haifa. In a strongly worded statement on X, Zelensky wrote, "Based on information from our intelligence services, Ukraine is preparing a relevant sanctions package that will cover both those directly transporting this grain and the individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme. We will also coordinate with European partners to ...
European Union foreign affairs ... Ukrainian grain has been allowed to unload at Haifa port in Israel". "We condemn all actions that help fund Russia's illegal war effort and circumvent EU sanctions, and remain ready to target such actions by listing individuals and ...
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky ... informal European leaders' summit in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, April 23, 2026; illustrative. ... Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Israel’s purchase of grain from occupied Ukrainian territory, “stolen” by Russia, “cannot be legitimate business” and that Kyiv was readying sanctions against those ...
Ukraine's foreign ministry said a Russian-flagged bulk carrier, Abinsk, was unloaded at an Israeli port in mid-April and allowed to leave despite official requests to Israeli authorities to detain the vessel and its cargo. It also said Israeli authorities had ignored a request to take action over another vessel, Panormitis, which was approaching Haifa port. Saar was asked for his response to Zelensky's comments during a news ...
Ukraine summons Israeli envoy in protest of Russian vessel's arrival in Haifa | The Jerusalem Post
A ship is docked at Haifa Port, Israel, July 24, 2022 ... Ukraine has summoned the Israeli ambassador to Kyiv in protest of the arrival of a Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain in Haifa, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Monday evening.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that earlier this month, a ship called ABINSK entered the Haifa port with wheat cargo from Russian-occupied territory. Kyiv said it alerted Israeli authorities but the vessel was allowed to unload its cargo and leave Haifa in mid-April.
Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012
Ukrainian officials and an open-source monitoring group claimed that the Russian vessel ABINSK had transported grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territory and unloaded it at Israel’s port of Haifa between April 12 and April 14.
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