The two major allies of the United States, Israel and Ukraine, are embroiled in a diplomatic dispute over Kyiv's claims that Tel Aviv was importing grains that were purportedly "stolen" by Russia from large areas of Ukrainian agricultural land that were under occupation. Since its invasion in February 2022, Russia has been accused by Ukraine, one of the biggest producers of grain in the world, of illegally exporting agricultural products from area it controls.
"Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload," wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with X. This is not a legitimate business and never will be.
"The Israeli authorities cannot be unaware of which ships are arriving at country's ports and what cargo they are carrying," he said, denouncing Tel Aviv's tactics.

"Ukraine depends on cooperation and respect amongst all states. We sincerely aim to improve security, especially in the Middle East. We anticipate that the Israeli government will show respect for Ukraine and abstain from acts that jeopardise our bilateral ties."In protest of the purported supplies, Kyiv also called in Israel's envoy on Tuesday
Israel's Response
Israel denied that the ship had reached the port of Haifa and said Kyiv had not produced proof to back up its assertions.Neither a request for legal aid nor supporting documentation have been made by the Ukrainian government.Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to a query at a press conference by saying, "The vessel has not entered the port and has not yet submitted its documents."Referring to a document that listed the specifics of the goods being carried, Saar continued, "It is impossible to confirm the veracity of the Ukrainian claims regarding the forgery of the bill of lading."
Saar criticised Kyiv for engaging in "Twitter diplomacy" and advised Ukraine to "submit it through the appropriate channels" if it had "any evidence of theft."
Russia's Response to Ukraine's Allegations
Russia is accused by Ukraine of stealing over two million tonnes of food from its seized territories in 2025. It claimed to have tracked shipments to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.He told reporters at a conference on Tuesday, "We would rather not comment on this in any way or get involved in this matter."
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 led to an increase in food prices worldwide. Later that year, Ukraine was able to transport grain over the Black Sea thanks to an agreement mediated by the UN and Turkey. However, Russia later withdrew from the agreement, claiming that it needed sanctions relief.
Moscow asserted in late 2022 that it had annexed four parts of Ukraine in the east and south, including important Black Sea export ports.