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Ukraine Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Russian Ship Carrying Allegedly Stolen Grain
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to deliver a formal protest note. This action follows the docking of a Russian vessel at an Israeli port, which is reportedly carrying grain stolen from Ukrainian territories.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the move on Monday, April 27, stating that the ambassador is expected at the ministry on Tuesday morning to discuss the matter and request specific measures, according to Deutsche Welle.
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This incident marks the second time recently that a Russian ship transporting Ukrainian grain has arrived in Haifa. Sybiha expressed concern regarding the lack of a sufficient response from Israel following a previous request about another vessel that delivered similar goods to the same port.
He noted that while the relationship between Ukraine and Israel has significant potential, the trade of stolen grain could negatively impact these bilateral ties.
Reports indicate that on April 12, the Russian ship Abinsk also entered an Israeli port after a long delay. Investigations by the SeaKrime project suggest that the vessel was carrying over 43,000 tons of wheat sourced from occupied Ukrainian ports.
These shipments are often organized through anchorages in the Kerch Strait to disguise the origin of the goods.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia has been exporting grain grown on occupied lands by labeling it as a Russian product. This process utilizes port facilities in the Azov and Black Seas, particularly in Sevastopol.
Data suggests that over two million tons of grain were removed from occupied areas throughout 2025 as part of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On April 16, 2026, Ukraine requested urgent clarification from Israel after reports surfaced that a vessel linked to Russia’s "shadow fleet" had docked at the Port of Haifa. The ship, identified as the "ABINSK," was reportedly carrying grain believed to have originated from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces.
In response, the Ukrainian Embassy expressed deep concern, warning that the delivery constituted a blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
While Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that such illegal trade supported Russia’s broader war effort, Israel ultimately granted the ship permission to leave on April 15, despite Ukraine’s calls for the cargo to be seized.
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