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“The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying,” Zelensky wrote.
By United with Israel Staff
Ukraine on Tuesday accused Israel of allowing ships carrying grain allegedly looted from Russian-occupied territories to dock at its ports, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that Kyiv is preparing sanctions against those involved.
“In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X. He said another vessel carrying such grain had arrived at an Israeli port and was preparing to unload, adding, “This is not, and cannot be, legitimate business.”
Zelensky argued that Israeli authorities “cannot be unaware” of the ships entering the country and the cargo they carry, accusing Russia of systematically seizing grain from occupied Ukrainian territories and exporting it through networks linked to the occupation.
Ukraine, he said, has taken diplomatic steps to prevent such shipments, but “yet another such vessel has not been stopped.” In response, Zelensky announced that Kyiv is moving forward with punitive measures.
“Based on information from our intelligence services, Ukraine is preparing a relevant sanctions package that will cover both those directly transporting this grain and the individuals and legal entities attempting to profit from this criminal scheme,” he said. He added that Ukraine would coordinate with European partners to include those involved in broader sanctions frameworks.
In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia. Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload. This is not – and cannot be – legitimate…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 28, 2026
The dispute follows a sharp public exchange between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Sybiha warned that Russia’s “illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain” should not be allowed to harm ties between the countries, but said it was “difficult to understand Israel’s lack of appropriate response” after a previous shipment allegedly reached Haifa.
He cautioned that the arrival of another vessel could further damage relations and confirmed that Ukraine had summoned Israel’s ambassador to present a formal protest and demand action.
Sa’ar pushed back, saying the accusations were unsubstantiated and criticizing Kyiv for raising the issue publicly. “Diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media,” he said, adding that “allegations are not evidence” and that the matter would be reviewed in accordance with Israeli law.
The exchange underscores growing friction between the two countries as Kyiv signals it is prepared to escalate the issue through sanctions and diplomatic channels.
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