Zelensky accuses Israel of allowing Russian stolen grain shipments, deepening dispute

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Israel of allowing grain allegedly stolen by Russia to be unloaded at its ports, escalating tensions between the two countries.

According to CNN, Ukraine says a vessel named Panormitis, currently anchored near Haifa, is carrying wheat taken from occupied Ukrainian territories.

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Kyiv claims this would be the second such shipment to reach Israel this month.

Zelensky warned of potential consequences, writing: “In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia.”

“This is not – and cannot be – legitimate business. The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying.”

Israel has rejected the accusations as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Ukraine had not provided sufficient evidence, describing the claims as “Twitter diplomacy.”

Officials in Israel say legal procedures must be followed before any action can be taken against vessels.

The dispute comes amid ongoing allegations from Ukraine that Russia has been systematically exporting looted agricultural goods since the start of the war.

The European Union has also raised concerns and warned it could impose sanctions on those involved in such trade.