The European Union said it was ready to sanction Israel after a diplomatic crisis erupted between Ukraine and Israel following the unloading of a ship carrying grain from Russia to the port of Haifa.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of selling stolen Ukrainian grain. In an article on X, Zelenskyy wrote: “Russia systematically seizes grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian lands and organizes its export through individuals linked to the occupiers. »
He added that the country was working with its partners and preparing for appropriate sanctions against countries involved in the purchase of stolen goods.
A spokesperson for the European Union said Euronews that the union contacted the Israeli Foreign Minister on the matter, adding: “We condemn all actions that contribute to financing Russia’s illegal war effort and circumventing EU sanctions. »
They added that the ship was allowed to unload despite previous contacts between Ukrainian and Israeli officials.
The spokesperson said the EU was ready to take action by listing people and entities in third countries if necessary.
The Panama-flagged ship was carrying 6,200 tonnes of wheat and 19,000 tonnes of barley to Israel.
The crisis has exacerbated tensions between the previously allied countries.
Ukraine has generally maintained its diplomatic support for Israel during recent regional conflicts. He welcomed Israel’s illegitimate military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Israel has not yet responded to the statement by the Ukrainian president and the EU spokesperson.
