Stolen Ukrainian grain: Will Israel risk a diplomatic conflict?

27 April 19:17

The Panormitis, a ship carrying wheat from the occupied Ukrainian territories, could spark a diplomatic conflict between Ukraine and Israel. The issue concerns the ship’s possible call at the port of Haifa to unload the grain.

This was reported by journalist Barak Ravid, citing a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".

What Kyiv is saying

Officials in Kyiv are stating outright that unloading such a ship will have consequences.

“If this ship and its cargo are not turned away, we reserve the right to employ the full range of diplomatic and international legal responses,” the diplomatic source said.

The Ukrainian side emphasizes that there have already been similar cases to which Israel did not respond.

“Israel has ignored and continues to ignore Ukraine’s requests regarding the previous ship that unloaded wheat stolen by Russia,” the source notes.

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Ukraine considers grain exported from the occupied territories to be illegally appropriated. Kyiv views such shipments as part of economic pressure and a violation of international law.

The Ukrainian side is issuing a direct warning about a possible deterioration in relations.

“We are monitoring this new ship and will not let this pass without consequence; if it is allowed to dock and unload, there will be repercussions, especially for our bilateral relations.”

Kyiv also emphasizes that the situation appears to be an unfriendly move on Israel’s part.

“This feels like a slap in the face, given the goodwill Ukraine has shown toward Israel… It should be beneath Israel’s dignity to profit from stolen property.”

What is known about the export of grain from Ukraine’s occupied territories

Since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of exporting grain from the occupied territories.

Such grain enters international markets via third countries or under falsified documents.

Kyiv is attempting to block these shipments through diplomatic channels and international organizations.

Which countries have exported wheat from the occupied territories

Ships carrying Ukrainian grain exported from the occupied territories have been spotted in ports of various countries. Among them, the following are most frequently mentioned: