In a remarkable development on the line of tension between Kiev and Tel Aviv, the Ukrainian authorities announced that a ship loaded with grains that they consider “stolen” from areas under Russia’s control will not unload its cargo in Israel, after a Ukrainian diplomatic and legal move.
Ukrainian Public Prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko said that the ship “Panormitis” left Israeli territorial waters, heading to international waters, following “a set of measures taken by Ukraine,” noting that the Israeli authorities began studying the Ukrainian request based on documents submitted within the framework of international legal cooperation.
For his part, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sipha described the step as a “positive development,” stressing that his country will continue to track the ship and warn against any transactions related to it. He said: “This is a clear message to all ships, their captains, operators, insurance companies and governments: Do not buy stolen Ukrainian grain and do not become a party to this crime.”
On the other hand, Israeli media reported from an association representing grain importers that the importing company had to return the ship, while the “Zinzipper” company, mentioned as an importer, did not issue any official comment.
Kiev considers all grain produced in areas controlled by Russia, including the Crimean Peninsula, to be “stolen” grain, and has repeatedly objected to their export to other countries. On the other hand, Moscow did not comment on the legal status of these pills.
This development comes in light of the exchange of accusations between Ukraine and Israel over the past few days, as Kiev accused Tel Aviv of purchasing grains from areas under Russian control, while Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein confirmed that Ukraine has not yet provided evidence proving that the shipment was stolen.
