Russian vessel with stolen Ukrainian grain leaves Israeli waters

Ukraine has disrupted an attempt by Russia to legitimize grain illegally exported from temporarily occupied territories. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the vessel PANORMITIS left Israel’s territorial waters and moved into neutral waters after Ukraine implemented a set of procedural measures. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said the vessel’s movement may indicate awareness of potential seizure risks within criminal proceedings.

Ukrainian authorities submitted relevant materials through international legal cooperation channels, prompting Israeli competent authorities to begin executing the request. The established violation has been documented at the international level, and further actions regarding the vessel, cargo, and involved parties remain subject to legal response in jurisdictions that respect the rule of law and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The Prosecutor General’s Office stressed that the vessel’s departure into neutral waters does not terminate the criminal investigation or exempt those involved from liability. Ukraine continues to monitor the movement of Russian vessels linked to grain exports from occupied territories and will use all available international legal mechanisms to secure arrests of assets and identify all participants in the scheme.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Israel’s refusal to unload the grain, calling it a positive step that reflects the effectiveness of Ukraine’s legal and diplomatic efforts. He also warned that this serves as a clear signal to all operators, including shipowners, insurers, and governments, not to engage in trade involving stolen Ukrainian grain.

Sybiha added that Ukraine will further intensify pressure on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport grain from occupied territories. He stressed that continued cooperation with such shipments could lead to legal consequences in relevant jurisdictions.

Kyiv reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and countering illicit grain exports as part of a broader international effort to hold accountable all actors involved in the unlawful trade of agricultural goods from occupied regions.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Israel, grain stolen