Zelenskyy announced the creation of a system to counter Russia's shadow grain fleet

Ukraine, together with its partners, is developing a mechanism to block Russian ships transporting grain stolen from the occupied territories, similar to the restrictions imposed on the shadow oil fleet. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of coordinating Ukrainian and international sanctions to cut off distribution channels for illegal agricultural products. 

This was discussed in the head of state’s evening address following a report by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.

Special attention was given to a recent incident in Israel, where a ship carrying stolen Ukrainian grain was intercepted. Diplomats and the Office of the Prosecutor General were brought in to resolve this issue and increase legal pressure on the violators. The President noted that systematic work in this area will not only protect Ukrainian resources but also deprive Russia of a significant portion of the profits used to finance the war.

In addition to sanctions policy, Zelenskyy and Sibiga discussed personnel changes within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic corps aimed at improving diplomatic results in May. The European direction and ensuring support for Ukraine’s interests during votes in international organizations remain a priority. According to the president, revitalizing the diplomatic corps will help more effectively counter Russian hybrid activities at sea and in the economic sphere.

As a reminder, Israel has called on Ukraine to provide evidence regarding the stolen grain.

In turn, Ukraine is asking Israel to seize the ship carrying the stolen grain, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Later, the ship carrying the stolen Ukrainian grain left Israel.