Media: Ship carrying grain that Ukraine claims Russia stole will not unload cargo in Israel

A ship carrying grain that Ukraine claims was stolen by Russia will not unload its cargo in Israel, Israeli media reported on Thursday, after Kiev asked Israel to seize the cargo.

The Jerusalem Post and other media outlets cited a statement from the Israeli Grain Importers Association, which stated that the grain importing company was forced to reject the ship, Reuters reports.

Zenziper, which is reportedly an importer of the grains, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Ukraine and Israel traded diplomatic accusations this week after Kiev condemned what it said was the purchase of grain produced in Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia. Ukraine threatened sanctions against those who try to profit from the grain.

Kiev considers all grain produced in the five regions occupied by Russia, including Crimea, to be stolen, and has protested its export to other countries by Russian companies.

Moscow claims the five regions as part of its territory. They are internationally recognized as Ukrainian. Moscow has not commented on the legal status of grain harvested in those areas.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein wrote on X Network on Wednesday that Kiev had not yet provided any evidence that the grain had been stolen. Marmorstein did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday on the status of the cargo.