Israel’s Sa’ar: Ukraine ‘Should Be Grateful’ for Israeli Support Amid Stolen Grain Dispute

Reflecto News | Diplomacy | Ukraine-Israel Relations

JERUSALEM — Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has suggested that Ukraine should be more appreciative of the support Israel has provided, warning that Kyiv’s public campaign over ships carrying stolen Ukrainian grain docking in Haifa may be undermining the relationship.

The comments, made during a joint press conference with Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, came as a pointed response to Kyiv’s repeated demands that Israel block Russian vessels carrying agricultural produce from occupied Ukrainian territories .

“It’s a bit surprising coming from a country that we supported in international forums, supported in so many ways, including humanitarian help… But probably this is life.”
— Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel

⚡ Stolen Grain Imports: Diplomatic Flashpoint

The diplomatic tension hinges on allegations that Israel has allowed Russian cargo ships to unload grain allegedly stolen from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces.

Ukraine has openly accused Israel of turning a blind eye to the operations, warning that permitting the Panormitis to dock would represent a “systemtic policy of ignoring international law” .

Kyiv has summoned the Israeli ambassador, provided formal legal assistance requests, and stated it will impose sanctions on those involved in transporting the stolen goods .

🇮🇱 Israel’s Counter-Narrative: Where is the Evidence?

In his remarks, Sa’ar firmly rejected the accusation that Israel has willfully ignored its obligations, pointing to the lack of formal documentary evidence from Ukraine.

“Allegations are not evidence. Evidence substantiating the allegations have yet to be provided. You didn’t even request legal assistance before turning to the media.”
— Gideon Sa’ar

The Foreign Minister has previously criticized Kyiv for conducting diplomacy “on Twitter or in the media” rather than through established legal channels. He insisted that Israeli authorities would act in accordance with the law once proper documentation was submitted .

🇺🇦 ‘We Will Not Beg’: Kyiv Hits Back

Ukrainian officials have rejected Sa’ar’s framing, arguing that Israel’s position is one of ‘selective morality’.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Israel on Monday that “buying stolen goods is a crime,” and that Ukraine will sanction Israeli individuals and entities that continue to participate in the illegal grain trade .

A senior Ukrainian diplomatic source told LIGA.net: “We are not beggars. We are raising a matter of principle. If Israel believes political pressure will make us drop the issue, they are wrong.” The source added that Ukraine’s frustration has been building for months as multiple vessels have been allowed to dock without repercussions while Kyiv’s embassies provided prior warnings .

💥 A Strategic Reckoning

The row over the Panormitis has overshadowed what was otherwise a day of mutual pledges regarding antisemitism and military cooperation.

Sa’ar noted that despite the disputes, Israel has been a crucial partner for Ukraine at the UN and during international legal proceedings. The foreign ministers’ statements on antisemitism and Iran’s destabilizing activities were overshadowed by the tense grain exchange .

📊 Key Takeaways

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