A blow to the “shadow fleet”: Ukraine and the EU to block illegal grain exports

28 April 15:17

Ukraine is preparing a new package of sanctions against anyone involved in the export and sale of grain from the occupied territories. This applies not only to Russian entities but also to foreign participants in these schemes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement , according to "Komersant Ukrainian".

According to him, Ukraine has already received intelligence data and plans to impose restrictions on transporters and buyers of such grain.

“In all normal countries, the purchase of stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. Ukraine is preparing a corresponding sanctions package that will cover both those who transport this grain and those who profit from such schemes,” the president added.

Officials in Kyiv say this is a systematic practice. Russia is exporting grain from the occupied territories and selling it through affiliated companies. Ukraine also wants to coordinate sanctions with its partners so that they are effective at the international level.

A new episode of Ukrainian grain being exported from occupied territories

The latest wave of statements was triggered by yet another incident involving a ship that delivered grain to Israel. It has arrived at the port and is preparing to unload.

“This is not and cannot be purely business,” Zelenskyy stated.

He also emphasized that the country’s authorities “cannot be unaware” of what cargoes are entering its ports.

The situation is already going beyond the scope of bilateral relations.

What the European Union is saying

The European Union has stated that it is also exploring the possibility of sanctions. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anwar El Anouni reported that Brussels “has taken note of reports that a vessel from the Russian shadow fleet was allowed to unload at the port of Haifa.”

He emphasized that the EU is considering tougher measures.

“We condemn any actions that help finance Russia’s illegal war and circumvent EU sanctions, and we are ready, if necessary, to add individuals and entities in third countries to sanctions lists,” El Anouni said.

The European Union, together with Ukraine, has also appealed to the Israeli authorities for an explanation regarding this incident.

The Ukrainian side notes that this is not an isolated incident. Previously, ships suspected of transporting grain from the occupied territories have already entered Israeli ports.

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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: