Ukraine on Monday summoned the Israeli ambassador, Michael Brodsky, over Russia’s shipment of wheat and barley allegedly taken from its occupied areas to Israel.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed the invitation in a post on X, saying Kyiv will present its protest note and request appropriate action.
Noting Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential for mutual benefits, the diplomat warned Russia’s “illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain” should not undermine them.
Sybiha maintained Israel didn’t respond to a request on the previous delivery of “stolen goods” to Haifa and warned the country against accepting another such vessel at the same port.
“Diplomatic relations are not conducted in the media,” Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar replied, declaring that “allegations are not evidence.”
Saar faulted Sybiha for putting the issue out on social networks, saying the Ukrainian government had not provided evidence to substantiate its allegations.
The official assured that the matter would be examined, adding that Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law with independent law enforcement authorities.
The European Union is reportedly considering sanctions against Israeli individuals and entities for allegedly assisting Russia to bypass sanctions.
Israel’s Haaretz newspaper revealed that the Panormitis, a Panama-flagged ship carrying tons of grain from occupied Ukrainian territory, was set to berth in Haifa.
The carrier reportedly departed from the Port of Kavkaz, Russia. According to the paper, four shipments of grain from occupied Ukraine had been unloaded in Israel this year.
