Israel responds sharply to Ukraine's claims over stolen grain purchases
Photo: grain carrier (Getty Images)
Ukraine’s request for legal assistance regarding a vessel carrying grain stolen from Ukraine, submitted on April 28, contained insufficient factual information and was not supported by evidence, said Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
The official statement said that the document sent by the Ukrainian side on the evening of Tuesday, April 28, contained significant factual gaps and lacked supporting materials.
As a result, Israeli police asked the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office to provide additional information and evidence in line with national legal requirements.
The statement also stressed that Israel acts strictly within the rule of law and that all decisions are made in accordance with legislation.
"Israel abides by the rule of law and its authorities will always act in accordance with the law," the statement says.
The vessel PANORMITIS, carrying Ukrainian grain that was allegedly exported illegally, will not enter an Israeli port for unloading, which is seen as a positive outcome. Ukrainian officials say this was made possible through the use of legal and diplomatic tools.
The Israeli importer decided not to unload the grain shipped from Ukraine, fearing potential consequences, including international sanctions.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Kyiv plans to step up efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet and initiate new sanctions in response to the large-scale export of grain illegally taken from temporarily occupied territories.
According to him, such actions require a tougher international response and additional restrictive measures.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi responded on X to the public exchange with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, noting that the Ukrainian side expects practical steps rather than an exchange of statements in the public space.
