Israel says Ukraine’s legal request over grain ship lacked evidence

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has stated that Ukraine’s request for legal assistance, submitted on April 28, regarding a ship carrying allegedly “stolen” Ukrainian grain bound for the port of Haifa, contained significant factual gaps and did not include supporting evidence.

In a statement on X, the ministry said Israeli police have asked the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office to provide additional information and supporting evidence, as required under Israeli law, Caliber.Az reports.

The Ukrainian request for legal assistance, submitted on Tuesday night, April 28, contained significant factual gaps and did not include any supporting evidence.

The Israel Police reached out to the Ukrainian Prosecution with a request to provide additional information and…

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) April 30, 2026

“Meanwhile, we were informed that the vessel that was supposed to enter the port next week decided to depart from Israel’s territorial waters. Israel abides by the rule of law and its authorities will always act in accordance with the law,” the statement reads.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, earlier, stated that the vessel PANORMITIS, which Kyiv accuses of illegally transporting grain from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, will not unload its cargo in Israel.

He said that the outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s legal and diplomatic efforts and serves as a “clear signal” to other vessels, captains, operators, insurers, and governments.

According to him, Ukraine will further strengthen international sanctions against what he described as Russia’s “shadow grain fleet.”

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov