Israel Responds to Ukraine’s Protest Over Russian Grain Ship Docking in Haifa

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to Ukraine's diplomatic protest concerning the docking of a Russian cargo vessel, suspected of carrying stolen Ukrainian grain, at the port of Haifa. The incident has raised concerns over the legality and geopolitical implications amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Diplomatic Dispute Over Grain Shipment

On April 27, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar addressed Ukraine’s accusations on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that "evidence supporting these allegations has not yet been presented." Sa'ar emphasized that the issue will be reviewed and that Israel will act in accordance with the law.

Sa'ar also criticized Ukraine’s approach, noting that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had not submitted a formal request for legal assistance prior to publicizing the matter through media and social networks. He remarked, "Diplomatic relations, especially among friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or through the media."

Earlier the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador in Kyiv to deliver a formal note of protest. Sybiha underscored that strong bilateral relations between Ukraine and Israel benefit both countries and that illicit trade in stolen Ukrainian grain by Russia should not undermine this partnership.

He expressed frustration over Israel’s perceived lack of adequate response to Ukraine’s lawful inquiries regarding a prior vessel that had delivered allegedly stolen cargo to Haifa.

Background: The Grain Ship ‘Abinsk’ and Port Entry

On April 12, investigative journalist Ekaterina Yaresko of the SeaKrime project, part of the Ukrainian investigative center Myrotvorets, reported that Israel had allowed the Russian bulk carrier Abinsk to enter the port of Haifa. According to available data, the vessel transported approximately 43,700 tons of wheat purportedly taken from occupied Ukrainian territories.

According to Axios, Ukrainian authorities attempted to prevent the ship’s arrival at Haifa port and requested its detention after docking. However, Israeli authorities informed Ukraine on March 16 that such an action was no longer possible because the Abinsk had already departed.

This sequence of events has highlighted the complexities of port operations, international law, and the enforcement challenges in the context of ongoing conflicts and sanctions regimes.

"Diplomatic relations, especially among friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or through the media," said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar regarding Ukraine's public protest.

The situation underscores the increasing interplay between global maritime trade, geopolitical disputes, and the challenges faced by states in enforcing international norms amid regional conflicts.