Ukraine accuses Russia of shipping alleged stolen grain to Africa and Middle East as global tensions rise
Ukraine has accused Russia of expanding the export of grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territories to multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East, escalating diplomatic tensions over maritime shipments linked to the war.
Black News 
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Ukraine has accused Russia of expanding the export of grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territories to multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East, escalating diplomatic tensions over maritime shipments linked to the war.
- Ukraine has accused Russia of expanding the export of grain allegedly taken from occupied territories to Africa and the Middle East.
- Officials say shipments have reached countries including Egypt, Algeria and Türkiye, with additional vessels still in transit.
- Kyiv has raised diplomatic concerns with Israel following reports of deliveries at the port of Haifa.
- The European Union is now reviewing the allegations and considering possible sanctions linked to the shipments.
Speaking during an online briefing, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said the shipments had reached several destinations beyond Israel, including Türkiye, Egypt and Algeria, with additional cases still being assessed.
“Such cargoes have been delivered to Türkiye, Egypt, Algeria and some other countries. These are just the cases I can recall from memory that happened earlier,” he stated, according to RBC-Ukraine on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Tykhyi added that multiple vessels were currently transporting grain Kyiv describes as stolen, with one ship reportedly en route to Egypt and another heading to Algeria.
“Our message is very simple. We see this. We will not leave it without attention. And we will respond, regardless of the geographical location, not only in relation to Israel. So, we see everything. This will not go without an appropriate response,” he added.
The allegations come as Kyiv intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel following reports that a Russian vessel believed to be carrying grain from occupied Ukrainian territory docked at the port of Haifa. On Monday, April 27, 2026, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky to issue a formal protest.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has raised concerns over what Kyiv views as an insufficient response from Israeli authorities following earlier inquiries into similar shipments, warning that continued trade could strain bilateral relations between the two countries.
The European Union has also expressed concern, saying it is reviewing reports that vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet are transporting Ukrainian grain to Israel.
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said, “The European Union has taken note of the reports that a Russian shadow fleet vessel carrying stolen Ukrainian grain has been allowed to unload at Haifa port in Israel, and that despite previous contacts of Ukraine with Israeli authorities on the subject.”
Brussels is now weighing possible sanctions against individuals and entities allegedly involved in facilitating the movement of grain from occupied Ukrainian regions, as scrutiny increases over maritime supply chains linked to the conflict.
The developments highlight growing international friction over Ukraine's agricultural exports, with implications stretching across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
