Zelensky Accuses Israel of Handling Russian-Sourced ‘Stolen’ Ukrainian Grain

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Israel, alleging that it is receiving shipments of Ukrainian grain taken from areas occupied by Russia since its 2022 invasion.

Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain producers, says Russia has been illegally exporting agricultural goods from occupied territories.

In a statement on social media, Zelenskyy said:
“Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload.”

He further stated:
“The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying.”

He added that Ukraine is preparing sanctions against those involved in the purchase of the grain and will push the European Union to impose penalties on individuals and organisations linked to what he called a “criminal scheme.”

Kyiv also said it would summon Israel’s ambassador following reports of grain deliveries to Haifa port.

Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by distancing Moscow from the dispute.

“We would rather not comment on this in any way or get involved in this matter,” he said, according to journalists present at the briefing.

The conflict, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, disrupted global grain supplies and pushed up food prices. Although a UN- and Turkey-brokered agreement later allowed Black Sea exports, Russia exited the deal citing sanctions issues.

Moscow also declared in late 2022 that it had annexed four Ukrainian regions, including strategic Black Sea ports.

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