The European Commission has officially contacted the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek clarification on reports that a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel, loaded with stolen Ukrainian grain, was permitted to unload at the port of Haifa. The move was confirmed on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, by a foreign affairs representative of the European Commission. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic dispute over the illegal appropriation of Ukraine’s agricultural resources by the Russian Federation.
According to the Commission’s representative, the European Union is closely monitoring the situation. Despite prior contacts between Ukrainian officials and Israeli authorities warning about the illicit cargo, the ship was allowed to dock. Brussels emphasized that the EU unequivocally condemns any actions by third countries or private entities that help finance Russia’s illegal war efforts or facilitate the circumvention of European sanctions.
Furthermore, the European Commission signaled its readiness to impose severe penalties if necessary. The representative stated that the EU is prepared to apply targeted measures, including the blacklisting of individuals and legal entities in third countries. Highlighting recent milestones—such as the approval of a €90 billion financial support package for Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package—the EU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to pressuring Moscow.
The vessel at the center of the current scandal is the bulk carrier PANORMITIS. Tracking data suggests that the ship is carrying over 25,000 tons of wheat and barley plundered from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. To disguise the origin of the grain, Russia employs logistical schemes typical of its “shadow fleet.” Agricultural products are transported from occupied ports like Berdiansk by smaller ships. The cargo is then transferred to larger vessels at anchorages near Russian ports, where shipping documents are falsified to indicate a legitimate Russian origin.
This is not an isolated incident. The arrival of PANORMITIS follows a similar case earlier in April involving the vessel ABINSK, which Israel also allowed to unload despite urgent pleas from Kyiv for legal assistance.
In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, on April 28 to hand over an official note of protest. Ukrainian diplomats have characterized the continuous acceptance of stolen grain as a systemic practice that severely undermines bilateral relations.
Conversely, Israeli authorities have pushed back against the accusations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar argued that Ukraine has yet to provide concrete evidence confirming the illicit origin of the cargo aboard the vessels in question. Nevertheless, the direct involvement of the European Commission indicates that the dispute is no longer just a bilateral issue, but a broader test of international compliance with sanctions against Russia.