Ukraine Requests Israel Seize Russian Vessel Allegedly Carrying Stolen Grain

Ukraine's prosecutor general has requested that Israel seize a Russian vessel accused of carrying grain stolen from territories occupied by Russia. The ship, identified as the Panormitis and sailing under a Panamanian flag, was last reported heading to the Israeli port of Haifa.

Ukrainian officials allege the cargo was looted from their land, prompting a formal call for the vessel's detention, a search, seizure of documentation, grain sampling, and crew questioning. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly stated that another vessel carrying stolen grain had arrived in Israel and was preparing to unload.

He accused Israel of knowingly accepting such goods and indicated Ukraine might impose sanctions, hoping the European Union would follow. This marks a rare public diplomatic clash between the two nations.

summoned Israel's ambassador to deliver a formal protest over the alleged shipment. In response, Israel's foreign minister criticized Kyiv for conducting diplomacy through social media rather than formal channels. He confirmed receipt of the request and said it is under examination by relevant authorities.

Sources indicate Ukraine had previously notified Israel since March about another vessel, the Abinsk, allegedly carrying stolen grain. That ship was permitted to unload its cargo and depart last month despite Kyiv's objections. Both the Washington Times and The Guardian reported on these developments, with the former noting the Panormitis was spotted by maritime organizations last week.

“The Ukrainian side is asking its Israeli partners to seize the vessel and its cargo, conduct a search, seize the vessel’s and cargo documentation, take grain samples, and question the crew members." — Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraine's prosecutor general, April 29, 2026 (Telegram post, via The Washington Times and The Guardian).”

between Ukraine and Israel have been strained since Russia's full-scale invasion. Israel has provided mainly humanitarian aid to Ukraine while maintaining channels with Moscow and resisting calls for weapons supplies or sanctions against the Kremlin.

Kyiv has repeatedly accused Russia of stealing grain from occupied territories and selling it internationally. The European Union has taken note of reports about a vessel unloading stolen grain in Haifa despite prior contacts, with a spokesperson stating the bloc is considering sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities aiding Russia.

The vessel's Greece-based management company denied carrying grain from occupied Ukraine, stating to Reuters that its cargo is Russian. This denial contrasts with Ukraine's claims, highlighting the disputed nature of the cargo's origin.

foreign minister emphasized that discussions between friendly nations should not occur on social media or in the press. He noted Ukraine submitted the formal request late Tuesday, following earlier public statements. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over grain exports from conflict zones.

Ukraine's prosecutor general specified that the Panormitis carries some grain stolen by Russia from Ukrainian land. Multiple sources confirm the public nature of the spat, with Zelenskyy mentioning the vessel's arrival and unloading preparations. The Guardian reported the dispute spilled into public view this week.