Zelensky threatens Israel with sanctions over ‘stolen’ Ukrainian grain shipments from Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Israel of allowing “stolen” Ukrainian grain to enter its ports, warning that Kyiv is preparing sanctions against those involved in the trade.

In a post on X, Zelensky says “another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload,” saying it is “not – and cannot be – legitimate business.” He adds that Israeli authorities “cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving… and what cargo they are carrying.”

The remarks come amid a growing diplomatic spat, after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned Israel’s ambassador yesterday over what he described as Israeli inaction in allowing shipments of grain to enter the country from Russian-occupied Ukraine.

According to a report by Haaretz, the vessel Panormitis – allegedly carrying grain from occupied areas – was awaiting permission to dock in Haifa, with four similar shipments already unloaded in Israel this year.

Israel has pushed back on the claims. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told Sybiha that Ukraine had provided no evidence that the grain was stolen and accused Kyiv of conducting diplomacy through the media.

Zelensky, however, claims Russia is “systematically seizing grain” from occupied Ukrainian territory and exporting it “through individuals linked to the occupiers,” arguing that such “schemes” violate Israeli law. He says Ukraine has taken diplomatic steps to prevent the shipments, but that “yet another such vessel has not been stopped.”

Kyiv is now preparing a sanctions package targeting “both those directly transporting this grain and the individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme,” Zelensky says, adding that Ukraine would coordinate with European partners to expand sanctions.

Last night, the European Union similarly warned it may sanction individuals linked to reports of Russian grain ships docking in Israel.

“Ukraine counts on partnership and mutual respect with every state,” Zelensky writes. “We expect that the Israeli authorities will respect Ukraine and refrain from actions that undermine our bilateral relations,” he says while stressing Kyiv’s interest in maintaining cooperation, including on regional security.