Zelensky Criticizes Israeli Purchases of Ukrainian Grain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that buying grain from occupied Ukrainian territories cannot be considered legitimate trade, arguing that such exports involve production seized illegally by Russia.
Zelensky pointed to a vessel that had arrived at an Israeli port carrying grain from occupied territories and was being prepared for unloading. He stressed that this was not, and could not be, a lawful commercial activity.
He added that Israeli authorities could not claim ignorance, as they have oversight of incoming shipments and their contents. Ukraine is therefore preparing sanctions against entities involved in the trade.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already summoned the Israeli ambassador, accusing Israel of failing to prevent imports of grain from occupied areas. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, however, said Kyiv had not provided evidence that the grain had been stolen.
Ukraine considers agricultural output from territories occupied since 2022, as well as from Crimea, to be unlawfully obtained. According to Zelensky, such practices also violate Israeli law.