Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday to protest what it claims is Israel's acceptance of grain shipments from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X that a second vessel carrying allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain had arrived in Haifa, calling it a 'lack of appropriate response' from Israel.

Sybiha emphasized that 'friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential to benefit both countries, and Russia's illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them.' The ambassador was asked to appear at the ministry to receive a protest note and for Kyiv to 'request appropriate action.'

In a sharp retort, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Sybiha for 'turning to the media and social networks,' asserting that 'allegations are not evidence.' He added that 'diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media.'

Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Kyiv has previously imposed sanctions on individuals and businesses cooperating with Russian occupation forces.

The diplomatic row unfolded as Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea, triggering a massive blaze and evacuations. Krasnodar region Governor Veniamin Kondratiev reported on Telegram that over 160 firefighters were battling a 'massive fire' at the Rosneft-owned facility, with residents evacuated to a temporary shelter at a nearby school.

The Tuapse attack is part of Ukraine's sustained campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, which escalated in late March. In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have hit Russia's Ust-Luga and Primorsk oil export terminals in the Baltic Sea, cutting off as much as 40% of oil export revenue. Kyiv aims to counter Russia's oil windfall amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which saw Washington suspend years-long sanctions on Russian oil.

Source: www.aljazeera.com