'This is not Twitter diplomacy': Ukraine expects serious response from Israel over vessel
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine has officially addressed Israel through diplomatic and legal channels over a vessel suspected of transporting stolen grain. Kyiv is expecting concrete action, not emotional statements, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
What Kyiv is demanding
The request has been submitted through official channels as a request for international legal assistance. Sybiha stressed that this is not just a diplomatic gesture.
"This is not Twitter diplomacy, but a very concrete legal and diplomatic request for international legal assistance that necessitates a response. We expect the Israeli side to take it seriously rather than responding with emotional statements," the minister wrote on X.
What vessel is involved and what is it suspected of
The vessel Panoramitis is suspected of transporting grain illegally exported from Ukraine’s occupied territories. The cargo departed from a closed port in Russian-controlled territory, in violation of international law.
A Ukrainian court has already issued an order to arrest the vessel. Based on that ruling, the Office of the Prosecutor General sent a request to the Israeli authorities.
The scandal escalated after two ships — Abinsk and Panoramitis — docked at the port of Haifa in March and April, carrying grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territories. Israel had not responded to Kyiv’s earlier appeals.
On April 28, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli Ambassador, Michael Brodsky, and handed him a note of protest.
Ukrainian lawyers submitted a request for legal assistance directly to Israel’s Attorney General’s Office.
