Ukraine preparing sanction package against individuals transporting grain stolen by Russia – Zelenskyy
Ukraine is preparing a sanction package against individuals transporting grain stolen by Russia, as well as against individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.
"Ukraine, based on information from our intelligence agencies, is preparing a corresponding sanction package that will cover both those directly transporting this grain and those individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme. We will also coordinate with our European partners to ensure that the relevant individuals are included in European sanction regimes," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Tuesday.
The President commented on the arrival of a ship carrying grain stolen by Russia at an Israeli port, noting that "this is not and cannot be a pure business transaction."
"The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of what ships and what cargo are arriving at the country's ports. Russia systematically seizes grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and arranges for its removal by individuals associated with the occupiers. Such transactions violate the laws of the State of Israel itself," Zelenskyy emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine has taken all necessary steps through diplomatic channels to prevent similar incidents, but another ship carrying stolen grain has not been stopped.
The President instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to inform all partners of the situation.
"Ukraine counts on partnerships and mutual respect with every state. We are genuinely working to enhance security, including in the Middle East. We expect the Israeli authorities to respect Ukraine and not take steps that weaken bilateral relations," Zelenskyy concluded.
As reported, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha previously stated that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry would hand the Israeli ambassador a note of protest regarding the arrival in Haifa of another ship carrying Ukrainian grain, which was stolen by Russia.
