Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Israel for allegedly accepting shipments of Ukrainian grain taken from territories occupied by Russia, in a development that could strain relations between the countries.
In a statement, Zelenskyy said grain exported from Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions “cannot be legitimate business,” maintaining that such trade amounts to dealing in stolen goods.
He disclosed that “another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload,” adding that Ukrainian authorities are already working on a sanctions package targeting those involved.
Zelenskyy also suggested that Israeli authorities should be aware of the situation, noting that “the Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving… and what cargo they are carrying.”
Ukraine has consistently accused Russia of seizing agricultural produce from territories it controls following the 2022 invasion and exporting the goods through intermediaries. Kyiv considers such exports illegal and has repeatedly warned countries and entities against participating in the trade.
The issue has taken a diplomatic turn, with Ukraine previously raising concerns with Israeli officials over the alleged shipments.
However, Israeli authorities have pushed back on the claims, indicating that there has been insufficient evidence to conclusively prove that the grain in question was stolen.
The dispute underscores rising tensions as Ukraine signals it may impose sanctions while urging international partners to avoid involvement in trade linked to resources from occupied territories.