Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday accused Israel of accepting Russian shipments filled with stolen Ukrainian grain.
Mr. Zelenskyy has for years accused Russia of harvesting grain from agricultural centers it occupies in eastern Ukraine, aiming to make a steady profit during the war. Russia has denied Ukraine’s allegations.
“Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload,” Mr. Zelensky posted on X. “The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying.”
Mr. Zelenskyy was referring to the vessel Panormitis, which is allegedly carrying grain from occupied Ukraine and is awaiting docking in Haifa, Israel.
A Haaretz report from earlier this year found that at least four other vessels carrying similar cargo have unloaded in Israel in the last four months.
Mr. Zelenskyy said his government is considering a sanctions package targeting those who facilitated the export of the grain and those who sought to profit from it.
Israel rejected the accusations when they were first issued by Ukraine this month.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to deliver a formal protest note over the shipment.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly rejected the accusations Monday via social media, arguing that Ukraine had not provided his government with sufficient evidence.
“Diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media,” Mr. Sa’ar posted.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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