Zelenskyy on stolen Ukrainian grain in Israel: sanctions are being drafted
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reproached Israel for accepting ships carrying Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia and has promised to impose sanctions on all those involved.
Source: Zelenskyy on social media
Quote: "In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia. Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload. This is not – and cannot be – a legitimate business. The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country's ports and what cargo they are carrying."
Details: Zelenskyy said Russia is persistently seizing grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory and exporting it.
Quote: "Such schemes violate the laws of the State of Israel itself. Ukraine has taken all necessary steps through diplomatic channels to prevent such incidents. However, we see that yet another such vessel has not been stopped. I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to inform all partners of our state about the situation."
More details: Zelenskyy emphasised that based on Ukrainian intelligence data, Kyiv is preparing a sanctions package targeting not only those directly transporting the grain but also "individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme". He said Ukraine is also coordinating with its European partners to ensure these individuals are included in European sanctions regimes.
Quote: "Ukraine counts on partnership and mutual respect with every state. We are genuinely working to enhance security, particularly in the Middle East region. We expect that the Israeli authorities will respect Ukraine and refrain from actions that undermine our bilateral relations."
Background:
- Media reports indicate that the vessel Panormitis arrived at the Israeli port of Haifa carrying a shipment of grain that may have originated from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
- The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to these reports and summoned the Israeli ambassador to hand over a note of protest.
- In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar claimed that his country had not been provided with evidence to substantiate this accusation and that the Israeli authorities will act in accordance with the law. "You did not even submit a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks. The matter will be examined," he noted.
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