Zelenskyy: Ukraine is building system to counter Russia's shadow grain fleet
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine, together with its partners, is stepping up work on sanctions against Russia and building a system to counter a "shadow grain fleet" transporting grain taken from temporarily occupied territories.
Source: Zelenskyy in his address
Details: Zelenskyy said Ukraine has intensified cooperation with partners to synchronise sanctions. This includes aligning Ukrainian sanctions within allied jurisdictions and applying partners' sanctions within Ukraine's own legal framework.
Quote: "Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha reported on these and other contacts. In particular, we are working more systematically on Russia's shadow grain fleet – vessels used to transport grain stolen from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
In recent days, there has been a sensitive Israeli track regarding such stolen grain, and our diplomats, together with the Prosecutor General's Office, have joined the relevant efforts. We are building a system to counter the shadow grain fleet in the same way as the shadow oil fleet."
Details: Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine has recently intensified efforts to address cases of transporting such grain, including in relation to Israel. Ukrainian diplomats and the Prosecutor General's Office have been involved in this process.
In addition, he discussed with the foreign minister priorities for work on European affairs, staffing decisions within the Foreign Ministry, and Ukraine's positions when voting in international organisations.
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.
- Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Israel for accepting ships carrying grain stolen by Russia and pledged to impose sanctions on those involved.
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