Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Israel of allowing a ship carrying what he described as a stolen grain cargo to dock in one of its ports. Israel has pushed back against the allegation.
Zelensky said in a social media post that "in any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability," noting that it "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 business. The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country's ports and what cargo they are carrying," Zelensky added.
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 Ukrainian President went on to detail that Moscow is "systematically seizing grain on temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and organizing its export through individuals linked to the occupiers," violating "the laws of the State of Israel itself."
"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. We will also coordinate with European partners to ensure that the relevant individuals are included in European sanctions regimes," he added.
Israeli outlet Haaretz detailed that the vessel in question, called Panormitis, was awaiting permission to dock in Haifa, and that four such shipments have made their way to the country so far this year.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, in turn, told his Ukrainian counterpart that the country had not provided evidence that the grain was stolen. "Allegations are not evidence. Evidence substantiating the allegations have yet to be provided. You did not even submit a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks."
Dear Minister,
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 27, 2026
Diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media.
Allegations are not evidence.
Evidence substantiating the allegations have yet to be provided.
You did not even submit a request for legal assistance before… https://t.co/3pWztyRMyk
"The matter will be examined. Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law with independent law enforcement authorities. All Israeli authorities will act in accordance with the law," he added.
Sa'ar also reacted on Tuesday, saying: "Our director-general spoke with the Israel Tax Authority, which began an examination of the matter... The vessel has not entered the port and has yet to submit its documents. It is not possible to verify the truth of the Ukrainian claims regarding the forgery of the bill of lading."
"Up until this point, the Ukrainian government has not submitted a request for legal assistance. They submitted tweets. This [formal request] is required when the claims concern criminal acts committed abroad. Nor has the Ukrainian government provided evidence for its claims...Israeli authorities are obliged to act in accordance with the law. Legal discussions must be based on evidence..."
