'Cannot Be Legitimate Business': Ukraine Criticises Israel For Buying 'Stolen' Grain from Russia

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 19:33 IST

Zelenskyy accuses Israel of buying stolen Ukrainian grain from Russia, warns of sanctions and legal steps, Israel says it will examine claims as EU weighs possible action

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Israel for buying “stolen" grains from Russia and said such a purchase “cannot be legitimate business", adding that Kyiv was readying sanctions against those attempting to profit from it.

The remarks come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Tel Aviv over shipments arriving at Israeli ports.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, “Another vessel ​carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload," adding, “This is not – and cannot be – legitimate business".

“The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving ​at the country’s ports and what cargo they are carrying," he added.

The controversy centres around Russian vessels suspected of carrying Ukrainian grain to Israel, despite repeated warnings from Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have said the cargo was sourced from territories under Russian occupation and forms part of Moscow’s broader strategy to export looted agricultural produce to global markets.

Ukraine has raised the issue diplomatically, summoning Israel’s ambassador and warning of possible legal and diplomatic consequences if such shipments continue. The European Union has also indicated it could consider action against entities involved if the claims are substantiated.

Israel, however, has said it will examine the allegations and maintained that evidence supporting Ukraine’s claims has not been formally presented. The episode highlights the delicate balance Israel is attempting to maintain in its ties with both Ukraine and Russia amid the ongoing war.

News world 'Cannot Be Legitimate Business': Ukraine Criticises Israel For Buying 'Stolen' Grain from Russia

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