Volodymyr Zelensky has escalated his dispute with Israel over grain that Kyiv claims was stolen by Russian forces from occupied Ukrainian territories. The Ukrainian president stated that Israel's decision to purchase the grain “cannot be legitimate business” and announced that Kyiv is preparing sanctions against those involved in the transaction.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
A Ukrainian diplomatic source warned of “a full suite of diplomatic and international legal responses” if Israel does not reject the latest cargo. Ukraine's foreign ministry previously summoned Israel's ambassador and confronted them over an earlier Russian ship docking with alleged stolen grain. The row marks a growing rift between the two nations, which have historically maintained close ties.
Israel's Response
Israel's foreign minister countered that Ukraine has provided no evidence to support its claims, accusing Kyiv of conducting diplomacy through the media rather than through official channels. The minister emphasized that Israel's grain purchases are transparent and comply with international trade norms.
The dispute comes as Zelensky also blamed Iran for stalled weapon supplies, while Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian president's criticism of Israel underscores the broader challenges Kyiv faces in securing international support amid the ongoing war.
