Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it had summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky after allegations that grain shipped by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territory had been accepted at Israeli ports, according to Reuters.
The move follows similar earlier accusations that have strained ties between the two countries, including a dispute on social media Monday and a prior discussion between the countries’ foreign ministers on April 15. A Ukrainian diplomatic source said Israel had previously “brushed off” complaints regarding the issue.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that “Friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential to benefit both countries, and Russia’s illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them.” He added, “Now that another such vessel has arrived in Haifa, we once again warn Israel against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations.”
Sybiha said Ukraine had “already officially summoned the Israeli ambassador to [the Ukrainian foreign ministry] tomorrow morning to present our protest note and request appropriate action.”
Israel rejected the claims, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responding on X, “Allegations are not evidence,” and adding, “Evidence substantiating the allegations have yet to be provided.” Sa’ar said the matter would be reviewed and that international law would be upheld.
Israel has said Ukrainian officials have not provided evidence to support the accusations.
Haaretz reported that a vessel, the Panormitis, believed to be carrying grain from occupied Ukrainian territory, was awaiting permission to dock in Haifa. The newspaper also said four shipments of grain from occupied Ukraine had already been unloaded in Israel this year.
Kyiv considers grain produced in the four regions Russia claimed as its own since its 2022 invasion, as well as in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, to have been taken by Moscow.
Israel said it would investigate the matter and ensure that international law is being followed.
