Ukraine urges Israel to seize ship PANORMITIS over stolen grain
Ukraine asks Israel to seize vessel and cargo (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine has initiated the seizure of the Russian vessel PANORMITIS, which may be part of a scheme to legalize stolen Ukrainian grain. Relevant documents have already been sent to Israel, according to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.
The Ukrainian side has sent a request for international legal assistance to the competent authorities of Israel. Partners are asked to seize the vessel and its cargo.
In addition, Ukraine is asking to conduct a search on the vessel, seize the ship and cargo documentation, take grain samples, and question the crew members.
What is known about the vessel
According to the investigation, PANORMITIS is transporting grain partially taken from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. It was loaded after transshipment from another vessel. The ship is currently heading to the port of Haifa.
Investigators have also documented cases of this vessel illegally entering closed ports of Ukraine. This constitutes a gross violation of Ukrainian law and international maritime law.
"The time of unpunished looting under foreign flags is over. We continue to systematically identify every violating vessel and work to bring to justice all those involved in war crimes against Ukraine," Kravchenko emphasized.
He noted that since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 1.7 million tonnes of agricultural products have been illegally exported from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated at over 20 billion hryvnias (about 500 million USD).
Israel buys stolen Ukrainian grain
Last week, the first vessel carrying grain stolen by Russians in the occupied territories of Ukraine arrived at the port of Haifa. Despite official warnings from Kyiv, Israel allowed the vessel to unload.
Later, a second vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain was recorded in Israel, prompting Ukraine to once again appeal to the country's authorities to block the illegal products.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Israel's ambassador, Michael Brodsky, for explanations. He was handed a note of protest.
At the same time, Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, stated that allegations alone are not evidence and that the Ukrainian side has not provided relevant proof.
