The Ukrainian government has formally summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Kyiv to express its "deep disappointment" over reports that ships carrying allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain have docked at Israeli ports. According to Ukrainian officials, at least two vessels, which they claim were loaded with grain from occupied territories such as Crimea and Kherson, were allowed to offload their cargo in Israel. This move has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, as Ukraine continues to fight for international recognition of its territorial sovereignty and control over its agricultural exports.

Kyiv has provided what it calls "irrefutable evidence" of the grain's origin, including satellite imagery and tracking data showing the ships' journey from Russian-occupied ports. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that purchasing or facilitating the trade of these goods provides financial support to Russia's military campaign. This incident comes at a sensitive time, as Ukraine is simultaneously dealing with high-intensity missile strikes on its own soil and a global food security crisis exacerbated by the ongoing naval blockades in the Black Sea.

The Israeli government, meanwhile, has stated that it is investigating the matter and maintains that it adheres to international trade laws. Israeli officials have previously tried to balance their relationship between Kyiv and Moscow, providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine while avoiding direct military involvement. However, this "stolen grain" controversy has placed new pressure on Israel to take a firmer stance against Russian trade activities. The diplomatic row is expected to be a major topic at the upcoming UN General Assembly sessions regarding war-related economic crimes.