Ukraine has escalated its rhetoric toward Israel in a dispute over alleged shipments of grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning of sanctions against those involved.
“In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia,” Zelensky wrote on social media on Tuesday.
“We expect that the Israeli authorities will respect Ukraine and refrain from actions that undermine our bilateral relations.”
According to Zelensky, a cargo ship has transported grain from occupied Ukrainian regions to Israel for the second time this year and is expected to unload at the port of Haifa.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador in Kiev, Michael Brodsky, on Monday. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called on Ukraine to provide evidence supporting its claims.
According to an investigation by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the shipment would be the fourth such delivery this year. Similar cargoes may have arrived in Israel multiple times since 2023, the report said.
Zelensky said sanctions should target those transporting the grain as well as “individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme.”
Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. The country’s south-east is a key agricultural region due to its fertile black soil. Ukraine considers trade in goods from occupied areas illegal.
Israel’s relationship with Russia is characterized by pragmatism, in large part due to the Russian military presence in the Middle East. However, Moscow’s strong ties with Iran have introduced significant friction.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Israel and Ukraine remains cool. While Kiev initially sought Israeli military aid, Israel exercised restraint to avoid a rift with the Kremlin.
Recently, Ukraine has leveraged its technical expertise in drone warfare to forge its own strategic partnerships with various Arab states in the Gulf.
Israel rejects claims
Speaking at a press conference alongside Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in Jerusalem, Saar dismissed what he called “this kind of Twitter diplomacy.”
He said Israel’s Foreign Ministry is in contact with tax authorities, which have opened an inquiry. However, the vessel in question has not yet entered port or submitted documentation, limiting the scope of the investigation so far.
Saar added that Ukraine has not submitted a formal request for legal assistance, which would be required in cases involving alleged crimes abroad.
“Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law, and Israeli authorities are obliged to act accordingly. Legal discussions must be based on facts,” he said.