Israel Responds to Ukraine's Protest Over Russian Grain Ship Docking in Haifa Port
Israel says no evidence has been presented regarding Ukraine's allegations of stolen grain aboard Russian vessel Abinsk.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed Ukraine's recent protest concerning the docking of a Russian vessel suspected of carrying stolen Ukrainian grain at the port of Haifa. On April 27, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that no evidence supporting these accusations has yet been provided.
Minister Saar emphasized that "this issue will be reviewed," and that Israeli authorities will act according to the law. Saar also criticized Ukraine's approach, noting that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had failed to submit a formal request for legal assistance before making public accusations via media and social networks.
"Diplomatic relations, especially between friendly countries, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media," Saar stated.
Diplomatic Tensions Over Grain Shipment
Earlier the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that Ukraine had summoned the Israeli ambassador in Kyiv to deliver a formal note of protest. Sybiha highlighted the potential benefits of friendly Ukraine-Israel relations and expressed concern that "illegal trade by Russia involving stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine these ties." He further expressed difficulty understanding Israel's lack of adequate response to Ukraine's legitimate inquiries about a previous shipment that delivered alleged stolen cargo to Haifa.
Investigative journalist Kateryna Yaresko from the SeaKrime project of the Ukrainian investigative center "Mirotvorets" reported on April 12 that Israel allowed the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk to enter Haifa port. According to her report, the vessel delivered approximately 43,700 tons of wheat reportedly taken from occupied Ukrainian territories.
American media Axios reported that Ukrainian authorities had attempted to prevent the vessel from docking in Israel. After Abinsk berthed, Ukraine requested its detention. However, on March 16, Israeli officials informed Ukraine that such actions were too late, as the ship had already departed Haifa — a timeline confirmed by The Times of Israel.
This dispute raises questions about the monitoring and regulation of grain shipments amid ongoing regional conflicts and highlights the challenges faced by trading partners in navigating complex international legal and diplomatic frameworks.
