Ukraine alleges a Russian ship, the Abinsk, carrying stolen grain from occupied territories, left Haifa port despite Kyiv’s request for its detention.
Ukraine’s Request Ignored
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated it informed Israel in March about the Russian ship Abinsk, alleging it carried stolen grain from temporarily occupied territories intended to finance Russia’s war effort.
The ministry reported on Thursday that, despite providing information and maintaining contact, the ship was permitted to unload in Haifa between April 12-14.
Israel’s Response
Ukraine had requested Israel detain the ship and confiscate the grain. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reportedly informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, that it was “too late” as the ship had already left Haifa port.
Grain Trade and Russian Activity
Kyiv has long been combating Moscow’s export of grain sourced from occupied territories. Andriy Sybiha estimates Russia sold approximately 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain on international markets in 2025.
Israel’s Neutral Stance
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Israel did not join Western sanctions but officially condemned the invasion. While not providing Ukraine with weaponry, Israel has supplied humanitarian aid.
This cautious position is attributed to Israel’s security interests related to Russian influence in the Middle East.
Ukraine-Israel Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated Russia is providing intelligence to Iran for attacks targeting Israel and the wider Middle East. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office sought a conversation with Zelenskyy, but Ukraine has so far declined, according to the Times of Israel.
Developments in Hungary
Bartosz T. Wieliński on Wyborcza.pl discusses how events in Hungary, particularly the rise of Peter Magyar, could impact Poland, suggesting Polish democrats may have lessons to learn.
