EU may impose sanctions on Israel over stolen Ukrainian grain 0 13

A vessel belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet' that was transporting stolen Ukrainian grain was allowed to unload in the Israeli port of Haifa. This occurred despite prior contacts between Ukraine and Israeli authorities regarding this issue.

The European Union is actively considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on Israeli individuals and legal entities that assist Russia in circumventing international restrictions. The bloc is also demanding that Israel provide information regarding the Ukrainian wheat stolen by Russia and imported into the country. This was reported on Monday, April 27, by Haaretz.

EU Reaction

Condemnation from the EU followed a Sunday investigation that detailed the scheme of transporting grain stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories to Israel. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anwar El Anouani stated to the publication that the European Union "noted reports that a vessel of the Russian 'shadow fleet' carrying stolen Ukrainian grain was allowed to unload in Haifa port in Israel - despite prior contacts between Ukraine and Israeli authorities on this matter."

El Anouani also emphasized: "We condemn all actions that help finance Russia's illegal military efforts and circumvent EU sanctions, and we remain ready to take action against such activities by adding individuals and legal entities in third countries to the sanctions lists if necessary." The spokesperson added that the European Union, together with Ukraine, has already approached Israeli authorities, demanding additional information regarding this incident.

Position of Ukraine and Israel

It is worth noting that on Monday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli ambassador due to the arrival of a second vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain.

The Ukrainian agency emphasized that strong Ukrainian-Israeli relations are beneficial for both sides, and illegal trade in grain stolen by Russia should not undermine them.

In turn, Israel stated that it had not received convincing evidence that the vessel in question was indeed transporting grain stolen by Russia from Ukraine.

Earlier, Kateryna Yaresko, a journalist from the investigative project SeaKrime of the Peacekeeper Center, reported that on April 12, Israel granted permission for the Russian bulk carrier ABINSK (IMO: 9303869) to enter Haifa port. This vessel delivered 43,700 tons of wheat taken from occupied territories of Ukraine.

According to Israeli media, Israel informed Ukraine that "it is already too late to detain the Russian vessel" accused of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain, as it had already left Haifa port.