Saturday, May 9, 2026 1:00:09 PM

Moscow has issued a stark warning to Israel, claiming that the country’s refusal to unload Russian grain could threaten its own food security. Russia’s Foreign Ministry believes the move came under pressure from Kyiv.

According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Israel’s decision to deny the Panormitis-a bulk carrier transporting Russian grain-permission to unload in the port of Haifa jeopardizes Israel’s own food supplies.

Moscow has expressed regret over the decision by Israeli authorities, with Zakharova stressing that it runs counter to Israel’s commitments to foster economic cooperation with Russia. The Panormitis, which arrived in Israeli waters on April 30, was refused entry by local import company Tzentziper, acting in light of unspecified circumstances. The company suggested the Russian supplier find an alternative buyer, Zakharova noted. Following the refusal, the vessel departed Israeli territorial waters.

The incident drew praise from Ukrainian officials, who called it a “clear signal” to avoid purchasing what they claim is “stolen Ukrainian grain.” The Russian Foreign Ministry brushed off these accusations as “absurd and baseless,” insisting the decision was taken under Ukrainian pressure and contradicts Israel’s stated commitment to bilateral economic ties.

Israeli media outlet Channel 9 reported that grain importer Tzentziper made the call to reject the Russian shipment, not the Israeli government. The company reportedly waited for guidance from the Foreign Ministry before independently refusing the cargo. Tzentziper has a longstanding relationship with its Russian supplier, and this particular shipment was sourced from Siberia. Representatives from Tzentziper suggested that Ukraine’s allegations of theft may stem from the fact that the grain was initially loaded in the Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, now under Russian control.

Now, according to Russian newspaper Izvestia, citing Pnina Shalev, spokesperson for the Israeli Grain Importers Association, Tzentziper faces a contract termination fee of $7 million to the Russian supplier.

(C)UAWIRE 2026