Kiev has called on Israel to detain the ship "Panormitis", which it claims is transporting grain illegally exported from the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said in X that the request was sent to the Israeli authorities based on a Ukrainian court decision to arrest the vessel as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to Kiev, the ship is suspected of transporting agricultural products loaded at a port in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory.
"We expect the Israeli side to take this seriously and not react with emotional statements," added Sibiga.
According to The Security Service of Ukraine Russia exports grain produced in the occupied areas and sells it on international markets as its own exports. Kiev estimates that in 2025 alone, more than 2 million tons of grain may have been exported in this way.
Zelensky said on Tuesday that another ship carrying Ukrainian grain that Kiev claims was stolen from Russia had “arrived at an Israeli port and is preparing to unload.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that “evidence to support the allegations has not yet been provided,” adding that Kiev “did not even file a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks.”
Zelensky responded that “Ukraine has taken all necessary steps through diplomatic channels to prevent such incidents.”
According to maritime traffic data, the Panormitis, sailing under the Panamanian flag, flag, reached waters off Haifa on April 25. The ship is said to be carrying more than 6,200 tons of wheat and 19,000 tons of barley.
Ukraine has called on Israel not to allow the ship to dock and unload its cargo. On Tuesday, Kiev summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to demand action.
An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz found that at least four shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain have been unloaded in Israel this year.