Ukraine summons Israel's ambassador after stolen grain scandal, FM says
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after vessels carrying stolen Ukrainian grain arrived at the port of Haifa, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The minister stressed that friendly relations between Ukraine and Israel can benefit both countries, and that trade in stolen Ukrainian grain carried out by Russia should not undermine them.
According to Sybiha, it is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of an adequate response to Ukraine’s request to refuse entry to a vessel carrying stolen goods in Haifa.
"Now that another such vessel has arrived in Haifa, we once again warn Israel against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations. In this context, we have already officially summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine tomorrow morning to present our protest note and request appropriate action," the minister noted.
Israel buys stolen Ukrainian grain
Last week, the vessel ABINSK entered the port of Haifa (Israel) carrying a shipment of wheat likely stolen by Russia from the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Despite Kyiv’s warning about the illegal origin of the grain, the Israeli side allowed the vessel to unload.
Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General has opened a criminal case, and a Ukrainian court has placed the vessel and its cargo under arrest. Ukraine has officially requested international legal assistance from Israel, demanding the seizure of the grain and measures to prevent the legalization of stolen resources.
This week, a second vessel that could be carrying stolen Ukrainian grain arrived at the port of Haifa.
According to Axios, Ukrainian officials described Israel’s move as "a slap in the face."
