Ukraine asks Israel to seize ship carrying grain ‘stolen’ by Russia

Lead

Ukraine has formally requested that Israel seize a vessel it says is carrying grain from Russian-occupied territories, escalating a diplomatic dispute that has spilled into public view. The request, confirmed by Ukraine's Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, marks an unusual rift between two countries that have maintained cautious relations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The vessel, identified as the Panormitis, flying a Panamanian flag, was heading to the Israeli port of Haifa. According to Kravchenko, the ship was carrying grain "some of which was shipped" from Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities have asked Israel to seize the vessel and its cargo, conduct a search, take grain samples, and question crew members.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been reported across international media, with varying emphasis. Al Jazeera and The Guardian framed the story primarily as a Ukrainian request, while BBC and Deutsche Welle highlighted the diplomatic row and accusations exchanged between Kyiv and Jerusalem. Russian state news agency TASS focused on the European Commission's threat of sanctions and the Kremlin's characterization of such ship seizures as "piracy."

All sources agree on the core facts: Ukraine has accused Israel of allowing ships carrying grain from occupied territories to unload at its ports, Israel has denied the allegations, and the EU has expressed readiness to target individuals and entities involved.

Key Claims

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "another vessel" carrying grain "stolen by Russia" had arrived at a port in Israel and was preparing to unload. He argued that Israeli authorities "cannot be unaware" of the cargo arriving at their ports and warned that failure to act would harm bilateral relations.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned Israel's ambassador in Kyiv, saying Israel had shown "lack of appropriate response" to Ukraine's legitimate request regarding a previous vessel. He warned that accepting stolen grain would harm relations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the Ukrainian claims as groundless, accusing Kyiv of engaging in "Twitter diplomacy" and failing to provide evidence. Saar noted that a formal request for legal assistance was only submitted late Tuesday, after Ukraine had already aired its grievances publicly. He said the request was now being examined by the relevant authorities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the matter, saying "we would rather not comment on this in any way or get involved in this matter." However, in a separate statement reported by TASS, Peskov said situations involving the detention of Russian grain vessels abroad "can be considered manifestations of piracy," adding that Russia needs to protect its economic interests.

The European Commission, through its spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, said it had taken note of the reports and remained "ready to target such actions by listing individuals and entities in third countries, if necessary." The EU has also approached the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue.

The Greece-based management company of the Panormitis, Royal Maritime Inc, denied the vessel was carrying any grain from occupied Ukraine. An official told Reuters that "all of the legal documents we have, including the cargo's certificate of origin, show that the cargo is Russian."

Perspectives

Ukrainian officials maintain that any grain produced in territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea, is stolen property. Kyiv considers the shipments illegal and expects Israel to cooperate in enforcing Ukrainian law.

Israeli officials argue that Ukraine has not provided evidence to substantiate its claims and that diplomacy should be conducted through proper channels, not social media. They have pledged to examine the formal request submitted by Ukraine.

Russian officials deny that grain is being stolen and characterize attempts to detain Russian grain vessels abroad as piracy. Moscow says it will protect its economic interests.

The European Union has signaled that it is prepared to impose sanctions on individuals and entities in third countries that facilitate the purchase of grain from occupied territories, without specifying targets.