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EU Weighs Sanctions Against Individuals Over Stolen Ukrainian Grain Shipments to Israel
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The European Union may impose sanctions on individuals suspected of facilitating the transport of Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia to the port of Haifa in Israel, according to Haaretz on April 27.
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc is reviewing the findings and has raised concerns over the reported shipments.
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EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc is reviewing the findings and has raised concerns over the reported shipments.
“The European Union has taken note of the reports that a Russian shadow fleet vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain has been allowed to unload at Haifa port in Israel, and that despite previous contacts of Ukraine with Israeli authorities on the subject,” he told Haaretz.
Anouni added that the EU condemns any actions that contribute to financing Russia’s illegal war effort or help circumvent its sanctions, and added that the bloc is prepared to target such activities by imposing sanctions on individuals and entities in third countries if necessary.
The developments have also prompted a response from Kyiv, which has raised the issue directly with Israeli authorities.
On April 27, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to deliver a formal protest following the docking of a Russian vessel at an Israeli port that is believed to be carrying grain taken from Ukrainian territories.
The case marks the second recent instance of a Russian ship transporting Ukrainian grain arriving in Haifa. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed concern over what he described as an insufficient response from Israel after a previous inquiry involving a similar shipment.
He added that while Ukraine and Israel maintain a relationship with strong potential, continued trade involving allegedly stolen grain risks undermining bilateral ties.
The issue has also drawn earlier concern from Ukrainian officials, who have been monitoring similar incidents involving suspected shipments of stolen grain.
On April 16, Ukraine requested urgent clarification from Israel after reports that a first vessel linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” docked at the Port of Haifa carrying grain believed to have originated from Russian-occupied territories.
Ukrainian officials and Israeli media suggested that the cargo aboard the vessel “ABINSK” may include wheat taken from areas under Russian control, raising concerns over potential breaches of international law.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Israel expressed “deep concern” over the incident, warning that the delivery could constitute “a blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.”
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