Ship allegedly carrying stolen Ukrainian grain seen sailing away from Israel, after importer refuses to unload cargo
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- An Israeli grain importer has refused to receive a shipment of grain allegedly stolen by Russia from Ukraine, following diplomatic tensions between Israel and Ukraine over the issue.
- The Israel Grain Importers Association stated the Russian supplier must find an alternative port for unloading the cargo, which was initially scheduled for Haifa.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Israel of allowing previous stolen grain shipments to be unloaded and threatened sanctions, while Israel claimed Ukraine had not provided sufficient evidence.
- Ukraine welcomed the importer's rejection of the shipment as a signal to deter others from handling stolen grain, while the EU also warned it may impose sanctions on those involved.
- The dispute reflects broader tensions between Israel and Ukraine since Russia's invasion, with Israel maintaining a cautious stance to balance relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
