Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Israel of allowing grain allegedly stolen by Russia to be unloaded at its ports, escalating tensions between the two countries.
According to CNN, Ukraine says a ship named Panormitis, currently anchored near Haifa, is carrying wheat taken from occupied Ukrainian territories.
Kiev claims this will be the second such consignment to reach Israel this month.
Zelensky warned of the possible consequences, writing: “In any normal country, buying stolen goods is an act that involves legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia.”
“This is not – and cannot be – legitimate business. Israeli authorities cannot be ignorant of which ships are arriving at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying.”
Israel has rejected the allegations as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Ukraine had not provided sufficient evidence, calling the claims “Twitter diplomacy”.
Authorities in Israel say legal procedures must be followed before any action is taken against the ships.
The dispute comes amid ongoing allegations by Ukraine that Russia has been systematically exporting looted agricultural goods since the beginning of the war.
The European Union has also expressed concern and warned that it could impose sanctions on those involved in such trade.
