A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Ukraine and Israel after President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly accused Israel of allowing vessels carrying grain allegedly stolen by Russia to dock at the port of Haifa. Zelensky claimed that Israeli authorities were aware of the cargo and warned that the situation was damaging bilateral relations.
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest what he termed a lack of appropriate action regarding these vessels.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar swiftly rebuked the Ukrainian government for attempting to conduct international relations through 'Twitter diplomacy.' Saar emphasized that the State of Israel operates under the rule of law and that the Ukrainian government has failed to provide any actual evidence or submit a formal request for legal assistance to substantiate their claims.
Regarding the latest vessel in question, Saar noted that it had not yet entered the port or submitted documentation, making it impossible to verify allegations of forged cargo papers. The Kremlin has denied the accusations of grain theft, while the European Union has issued statements condemning actions that circumvent sanctions.
Israel remains firm in its stance: if Ukraine possesses legitimate evidence of criminal activity, it must be presented through established diplomatic and legal protocols rather than through public social media campaigns.
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