The EU is weighing sanctions on Israeli-linked entities over the alleged theft of Ukrainian grain shipments, as Kiev accuses Israeli authorities of allowing the “stolen” cargo to enter through Haifa port, Haaretz reported on 27 April.

EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar el-Anouni said the bloc is reviewing reports that a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel carrying Ukrainian grain harvested from occupied territories was allowed to unload in Israel.

He added that Brussels “condemns any actions that contribute to financing Russia’s illegal war effort” and warned that individuals and entities in third countries could face sanctions if they help circumvent restrictions.

The warning follows a diplomatic escalation triggered by the arrival of vessels at Haifa port carrying large amounts of grain reportedly taken from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including the vessel Panormitis, which carried 25,000 tons of grain.

Ukrainian officials say at least four similar shipments have already been offloaded this year, raising concerns about systematic facilitation by Israeli authorities.

Kiev has formally protested the shipments, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoning Israel’s ambassador and warning that continued inaction risks damaging bilateral ties.

Ukraine’s embassy described the deliveries as a potential “blatant violation of international law and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the trade, saying the purchase of such grain “cannot be legitimate business, “ accusing Russia of “systematically seizing grain on temporarily occupied Ukrainian land” and exporting it through networks linked to occupying authorities.

The dispute has drawn in European policymakers, with a joint démarche issued alongside Ukraine demanding clarification from Israeli authorities.

The EU signaled it is ready to increase pressure beyond Russia and target external actors accused of enabling the trade, with an EU spokesperson saying “individuals and entities in third countries” are not immune from sanctions if they bypass restrictions.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the accusations as “media diplomacy,” saying Kiev had provided no concrete evidence to support claims the grain was stolen, while Ukraine maintains that all grain produced in territories occupied by Russia since 2014 and 2022 is considered stolen.