Comment of the MFA on the entry of the vessel “ABINSK” with stolen Ukrainian grain into the Israeli port of Haifa

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

16 April 2026 15:20

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation related to the entry of the vessel “ABINSK” into the port of Haifa, the State of Israel, and its transportation of a cargo of wheat, which, according to available information, originates from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side informed the Israeli partners in advance, in particular on March 23, about the vessel “ABINSK” and the possible origin of the cargo from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and also emphasized the inadmissibility of import operations with such products. Assurances were received regarding an appropriate response.

At the same time, it is concerning that despite the information provided and contacts between the parties, the vessel was allowed to unload at the port of Haifa on April 12-14.

The Ukrainian side considers the vessel “ABINSK” as one that may be involved in the activities of the “shadow fleet”, which the aggressor state uses to illegally export, transport and sell stolen Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied territories and, ultimately, finance the war against Ukraine.

Based on the materials of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, including the decision of the Ukrainian court on the arrest of the vessel and cargo within the framework of the relevant criminal proceedings, the Ukrainian side immediately sent a request for international legal assistance to the State of Israel.

The MFA of Ukraine expresses its hope for fruitful and constructive interaction between the competent authorities of Ukraine and the State of Israel, due consideration of the request and application of the relevant legal mechanisms within the framework of Israeli jurisdiction.

The MFA of Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel are in constant contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the competent Israeli authorities in order to ensure appropriate steps.

The MFA of Ukraine expects that the Israeli side will make a balanced and lawful decision and satisfy the relevant request of the Ukrainian side, in particular, arrest the specified grain batch aiming to prevent similar situations in the future.

Ukraine is consistently working to hold accountable all those involved in the illegal export of Ukrainian resources from the temporarily occupied territories and calls on international partners to take a principled position in preventing such practices.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will continue to take all necessary diplomatic and legal measures to protect the national interests of the state.