Russia Will Not Interfere in Ukraine-Israel Grain Scandal Amid Global Food Shortages

Ukraine has issued a protest to Israel over Russian grain exported from Berdyansk. Russia, however, has no shortage of buyers for its wheat if Israel complies with Ukraine's demands. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli ambassador to deliver a note of protest following the arrival at the port of Haifa of the vessel Panormitis (Panama flag), carrying grain that Kyiv claims was loaded in the port of Berdyansk, which Ukraine considers its territory. Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Barak Ravid, a journalist for Axios, reported that Ukraine has threatened Israel with diplomatic complications if the bulk carrier unloads its cargo of 6,200 tons of wheat and 19,000 tons of barley. On April 27, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar publicly responded to Andrii Sybiha, rejecting Kyiv's accusations and stating that relations between "friendly countries” should not be conducted through social media or the press.