Ukraine Claims Ship with Suspected Stolen Grain Halted in Israel
Ukraine has reported that a vessel transporting grain, which is claimed to be stolen from occupied Ukrainian territory, has been prevented from discharging its cargo in Israel.
According to Israeli media reports on Thursday, a ship carrying grain, which Ukraine claims was seized from occupied territory by Russian forces, has been denied permission to unload in Israel. This decision follows a request from Kyiv for Israel to confiscate the cargo.
According to a statement from Israel’s Grain Importers Association, reported by The Jerusalem Post and other media outlets, the company responsible for handling the grain import was forced to decline the vessel.
Zenziper, the importing firm, reportedly did not respond to requests for comment concerning the situation.
The incident arises amidst increasing diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Israel regarding claims that grain sourced from Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia is being exported and sold internationally.
Kyiv asserts that all agricultural products from the five occupied regions, including Crimea, are deemed stolen, and it has warned of possible sanctions against those engaged in their trade.
Moscow, asserting control over the occupied regions, has not made any public remarks regarding the legal status of the grain exports.
Oren Marmorstein, spokesperson for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, previously stated that Ukraine had not presented evidence to substantiate its allegations regarding the stolen grain. He did not promptly reply to additional inquiries concerning the vessel’s alleged refusal to unload.
