Sybiha tells his Israeli counterpart Russian vessel carrying stolen grain must not be allowed into Israeli port
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha, during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar, stressed the inadmissibility of a Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain being allowed to dock at an Israeli port, noting that the illegal export of stolen agricultural produce is part of Russia’s broader war effort.
"I drew attention to the Russian vessel carrying grain stolen from Ukraine that was allowed to dock at one of Israel’s ports. I stressed that the illegal export of stolen Ukrainian agricultural produce is part of Russia’s broader war effort. Such illegal trade in stolen goods must not be permitted," Sybiha said on X.
The two ministers also focused on security issues and the situation in the Middle East, exchanging views on possible further developments.
"We confirmed our mutual interest in advancing the bilateral agenda and maintaining an active dialogue, including on security matters. We agreed to stay in close contact," the foreign minister said.
Earlier, Axios correspondent Barak Ravid reported that Ukraine had approached Israel for clarification on the fact that a vessel allegedly belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet had docked at the port of Haifa carrying a shipment of wheat originating from territories seized by Russia from Ukraine during the war.
According to the journalist, the incident could prove to be a significant violation by Israel of U.S. and other countries’ sanctions imposed on Russia and its shadow fleet.
"If this is indeed the case, it is a serious incident that contradicts the stated policy of the Israeli government. Ukraine is demanding that Israel stop the Russian vessel, which Ukraine says falls under international sanctions, and prevent it from leaving the port," he wrote.