Moscow Accuses Israel of Yielding to Kyiv over Grain

Russia has accused Israel of yielding to Ukrainian pressure after the port of Haifa refused a grain shipment last month. Kyiv claims the cargo originated in occupied Ukrainian territories and was illegally exported by Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the Ukrainian claims as "absurd and unsubstantiated" and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Israeli import company to block unloading at Haifa.

Russia's foreign ministry said the decision was made under pressure from Kyiv: "This runs counter to the Israeli authorities' declared commitment to maintaining Russian-Israeli economic cooperation and threatens Israel's own food security."

Ukraine has welcomed the return of the shipment as a success for its legal and diplomatic efforts. Kyiv has long accused Russia of exporting grain from occupied Ukrainian territories without the consent of Ukrainian authorities.

(reuters, max)