The EU has warned Israel of sanctions over a ship carrying stolen Ukrainian grain
The European Union has contacted the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding reports that a vessel belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet—which may have been carrying stolen Ukrainian grain—was unloaded at the port of Haifa. Officials in Brussels stated their readiness to impose sanctions on those who help Russia circumvent restrictions and finance the war against Ukraine.
This was announced by European Commission spokesperson Anouar El-Anouni at a briefing in Brussels.
“The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and in putting pressure on Russia until it ceases its military aggression. In this context, we, the EU, have taken note of reports that a vessel from the Russian shadow fleet, which was transporting stolen Ukrainian grain, was allowed to unload at the port of Haifa in Israel, despite Ukraine’s prior contacts with Israeli authorities on this matter,” he noted.
The European Commission spokesperson emphasized that any actions that facilitate the circumvention of sanctions or the financing of Russian aggression are condemned.
“We condemn all actions that help finance Russia’s illegal military efforts and circumvent EU sanctions,” El-Anouni stressed.
The EU also stated its readiness to impose sanctions not only against companies but also against individuals in third countries if they participate in such schemes.
“We have also raised this issue with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the EU ambassadorial level, and I will refrain from further comment at this stage due to the confidentiality of diplomatic communications,” the European Commission spokesperson added.
Kyiv had previously reported at least several cases of agricultural products exported by Russia from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine being supplied to Israel. The Ukrainian side has repeatedly raised this issue at the diplomatic level.
Following these appeals, some operations to unload ships carrying suspicious cargo in Israel were halted, which the EU views as a signal to international carriers and insurance companies regarding the risks of participating in such schemes.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga on Thursday, April 30, called the Israeli company’s refusal to unload the Panormitis an important signal to the market. Ukraine will continue to track the vessel and urges international partners not to cooperate with carriers of stolen grain.
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.
