Ukraine detains Russian ship carrying stolen grain from Crimea
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
A Russian vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain under a false flag has been detained in the Black Sea, according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities report that the ship, which was illegally transporting grain from Russian-occupied Crimea, was detained in a joint operation by the State Border Guard’s Maritime Guard and the Security Service of Ukraine.
Investigators say that in late 2024, the vessel delivered around 5,000 tons of Ukrainian grain from the port of Sevastopol.
The grain had been taken from temporarily occupied areas in southern Ukraine. To conceal the cargo’s origin, the vessel operated under the flag of an Asian country - a tactic used by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
During a search, authorities confiscated navigation equipment, documentation, and other evidence confirming the illegal operation.
"The ship is currently under arrest, and the crew has been handed over for further legal proceedings. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing," Ukraine’s Border Guard Service stated.
Russia steals Ukrainian grain
Previously, Ukraine’s National Resistance Center reported that Russian forces had begun constructing a large agricultural market in occupied Mariupol. However, it turned out that the site is likely intended to serve as a center for the export of stolen Ukrainian property.
It has also been revealed that Russia transports grain from occupied Ukrainian territories to Iran.
Earlier this year, Ukraine warned of severe consequences for countries buying stolen grain from Russia.
