Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that a ship in Haifa was preparing to unload grain stolen from Russian‑occupied Ukrainian land and he announced sanctions targeting shippers and buyers.
- Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, following Monday’s summons of Israel’s ambassador, delivered a protest note and warned that allowing such cargoes would damage bilateral ties.
- Israel rejected the accusation, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar saying Ukraine had not provided evidence or a formal legal‑assistance request, and he said the Panormitis had not entered the port as tax authorities opened an examination.
- Open‑source investigators and media reports identified earlier deliveries, including the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk that unloaded about 43,700 tons of wheat in Haifa in mid‑April, while the Panormitis has loitered in Haifa Bay and Kyiv says several such ships have been involved.
- The European Commission said it raised the issue with Israel and may list those involved for sanctions, as Ukraine points to ship‑to‑ship transfers and grain mixing that can mask origin and enable a “shadow fleet” to move cargo from occupied territories.