Ukraine expands protest to Israel over alleged stolen grain shipments

Ukraine has formally asked Israel to seize the cargo vessel Panormitis, escalating a dispute over grain shipments that Kyiv says were taken from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.

According to the reporting, Ukrainian officials believe the vessel is carrying grain stolen from occupied areas. Ukraine had already summoned Israel’s ambassador and warned of sanctions against companies and individuals involved in the trade.

Israel says the vessel has not officially entered port and says Ukraine has not provided enough evidence to support the claim. Ukrainian officials, however, say they have now moved from diplomatic warning to a formal request for action.

The dispute also follows earlier Ukrainian concerns about another ship, the Abinsk, which reportedly unloaded in Haifa. The latest step widens the argument beyond a single shipment and turns it into a sharper diplomatic clash over wartime grain flows and enforcement.