Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Israel of purchasing grain allegedly stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories. He stated that another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at an Israeli port and is preparing to unload.

The accusation follows Ukraine's summoning of the Israeli ambassador on Monday, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticizing Israel for allowing shipments of foodstuffs from occupied Ukrainian land.

Zelenskyy emphasized that this is not and cannot be legitimate business, and claimed that Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of the ships arriving at their ports and their cargo.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded that Kyiv has not provided evidence to support the allegation of stolen grain and cautioned against conducting diplomacy through the media, especially between friendly nations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, stating that the matter should be resolved between the two countries.

Kyiv considers all grain produced in occupied regions, including Crimea, as stolen by Moscow. Zelenskyy alleged that Russia systematically seizes grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and organizes its export through individuals linked to the occupiers.

The Ukrainian government is reportedly preparing a sanctions package targeting those involved in transporting the grain and attempting to profit from the alleged criminal scheme.

Source: www.dw.com