Crimea, Golan Heights and 'Stolen Grain': Ukraine’s Diplomatic Offensive Meets Israeli Realism

Ukraine is once again attempting to ignite a diplomatic scandal over Russian grain delivered to the port of Haifa. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Kyiv had summoned Israeli Ambassador Mikhail Brodsky to "demand appropriate measures” regarding a vessel which, according to Ukraine, transported grain from territories controlled by Russia that Kyiv considers occupied. The trigger was not only the latest shipment, but also the fact that similar cargoes had already been unloaded in Israel earlier this year despite Ukrainian protests. Israel's response was, in essence, straightforward: the state acts within the law, and accusations require evidence. According to media reports, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, during a conversation with Sybiha, stated that Ukraine had not presented proof that the grain was "stolen.”