Ukraine condemns Israeli grain purchases from occupied land

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, that Israel’s purchase of grain originating from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory cannot be treated as legitimate business.

His remarks came after another vessel carrying such grain arrived at an Israeli port, according to Zelenskiy. He said Ukraine is preparing sanctions against entities that profit from these transactions.

Zelenskiy urges Israeli checks on cargo origins

Zelenskiy said Israeli authorities should be aware of where cargo arriving at their ports comes from. He framed the issue as one of due diligence and legality, arguing that the trade involves goods taken from Ukrainian land under Russian occupation.

Kyiv considers grain produced in the four regions Russia claimed since its 2022 invasion, as well as Crimea annexed in 2014, to be stolen. Russia describes the four regions as its “new territories,” but they remain internationally recognized as Ukrainian.

Diplomatic dispute over evidence and response

The dispute has also played out through diplomatic channels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously summoned Israel’s ambassador, citing what he described as Israeli inaction regarding the shipments.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded that Ukraine had not provided evidence to support claims that the grain was stolen. The exchange underscored a gap between Kyiv’s assertions about the origin of the cargo and Israel’s stated position on documentation.

Kyiv links shipments to occupation and bilateral ties

Zelenskiy said Russia systematically seizes grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and exports it through associated individuals. He said these activities violate Israeli laws and damage bilateral relations.

Ukraine’s planned sanctions, as described by Zelenskiy, are aimed at those who benefit from the trade. The scope, timing, and specific targets of the measures were not detailed in his statement.

The issue sits within the broader context of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the status of territories Russia has claimed. Kyiv’s position remains that goods produced under occupation in those areas, including Crimea, are unlawfully taken and should not enter international commerce.