Moscow [Russia], April 29: Ukraine has escalated its rhetoric toward Israel in a dispute over alleged shipments of grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning of sanctions against those involved.
"In any normal country, purchasing stolen goods is an act that entails legal liability. This applies, in particular, to grain stolen by Russia," Zelensky wrote on social media on Tuesday.
"We expect that the Israeli authorities will respect Ukraine and refrain from actions that undermine our bilateral relations." According to Zelensky, a cargo ship has transported grain from occupied Ukrainian regions to Israel for the second time this year and is expected to unload at the port of Haifa.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned Israel's ambassador in Kiev, Michael Brodsky, on Monday. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called on Ukraine to provide evidence supporting its claims.
According to an investigation by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the shipment would be the fourth such delivery this year.
Source: Qatar Tribune
