Ukraine says it is tracking several vessels carrying grain taken from Russian-occupied territories, with new shipments heading not only toward Israel but also Egypt, Algeria and other countries, according to the Foreign Ministry as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
The comments come as Kyiv escalates its diplomatic response after accusing Israel of allowing vessels carrying stolen Ukrainian grain to unload at its ports – an issue that has already triggered formal protests and ambassador-level engagement.
Kyiv vows response as Israel dispute escalates
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said Ukraine is monitoring the situation closely and will respond in each case. “We see everything and will not leave it without attention,” he said, adding that “this will not remain without a proper response.”
In earlier remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is “systematically seizing grain on temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and organizing its export through individuals linked to the occupiers,” calling such trade illegal and warning that “in any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability.”
Egypt and Algeria shipments under monitoring
Tykhyi said Ukraine is currently tracking multiple ships, including one approaching Egypt and another heading toward Algeria.
Egypt had previously pledged to shift away from Russian grain exports linked to occupied Ukrainian territories. In April, following a call with Zelenskyy, Cairo said it would stop accepting such shipments and increase imports of Ukrainian wheat.
Sanctions and legal action under preparation
Tykhyi added that Ukraine is preparing sanctions targeting individuals and companies involved in transporting and profiting from grain removed from occupied regions, with measures to be coordinated with European partners.
He said the sanctions framework will include shipping operators and legal entities linked to what Kyiv describes as a criminal trade scheme.
The Foreign Ministry also emphasized that Ukraine is using both diplomatic and legal channels, including ongoing investigations and court proceedings, to support enforcement actions.
The statement follows heightened tensions with Israel, where Ukraine has protested the arrival of vessels allegedly carrying grain taken from occupied territory and is pushing for stricter controls on port entry and cargo verification.
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