Ukraine urges Israel to seize Russian ship accused of 'grain theft'

Kyiv calls on Tel Aviv to seize a Russian vessel suspected of transporting grain from Moscow-controlled territories.

On 14/4, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar to seize a Russian vessel. Sybiha stated during their phone conversation that a Russian ship, carrying grain allegedly stolen from Ukraine, was allowed to dock in Israel. He warned this action forms part of Russia's "large-scale warfare efforts," emphasizing that the "illegal export of stolen agricultural products" must not continue.

Ukrainian journalist Kateryna Yaresko reported that the Russian vessel Abinsk is transporting 43,765 tons of wheat. This cargo reportedly originates from territories under Moscow's control during the conflict. The ship is currently anchored at Haifa, Israel's largest international seaport.

The Russian cargo ship Abinsk. *Photo: Marine Trafic*

This is not the first time Kyiv has raised the issue. Axios previously reported that Ukrainian Ambassador Yevgen Korniychuk met with senior officials from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27/3, requesting they prevent the vessel from docking. Furthermore, Ukraine's Justice Minister met with Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky on 14/4, urging Tel Aviv to prevent the Abinsk from departing from the port.

Israel has not yet made a final decision on the matter, and Russia has not issued a statement.

Russia currently controls an area equivalent to over 19% of Ukraine's pre-2014 territory. This includes land in the provinces of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and the Crimea peninsula. Ukraine maintains control over approximately one-fourth of Donetsk province, along with several positions in Lugansk.

Efforts to achieve a peace agreement in Ukraine progress slowly due to ongoing disagreements over territorial issues. Ukraine has proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines, a suggestion Russia has rejected. Moscow also seeks to control the entirety of Donetsk province, a demand Kyiv considers unacceptable.