Israel condemns Ukraine’s ‘Twitter diplomacy’

(SeaPRwire) –   Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Kiev had failed to furnish proof of the Jewish state purchasing “stolen” grain from Russia

In a social media post, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, asserting that Kiev has not shown any evidence that Israel was acquiring “stolen” grain from Russia.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga accused Israel on Monday of enabling what he called Russia’s “illegal trade in stolen Ukrainian grain.” This came after earlier reports in Ukrainian media that the cargo ship Panormitis, transporting grain from Russia’s newly acquired regions, was headed for the Israeli port of Haifa.

“It is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of an appropriate response to Ukraine’s legitimate request regarding the previous vessel that delivered stolen goods to Haifa,” Sibiga posted on X, noting that the Israeli ambassador was called to the ministry on Tuesday morning.

Responding to Sibiga on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, Saar retorted that “diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media.”

“Allegations are not evidence. Evidence substantiating the allegations has yet to be provided. You did not even submit a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks,” Saar wrote, further stating that Israeli authorities would look into the issue.

Tensions between the two nations persist, with Ukraine having denounced Israel for refraining from sanctioning Russia or severing relations with Moscow. According to Reuters, which cited a Ukrainian diplomatic source, Kiev would “reserve the right to deploy a full suite of diplomatic and international legal responses” should the vessel be permitted to berth in Israel.

Ukraine regards five regions, such as Kherson and Zaporozhye, which became part of Russia after 2022 referendums, as occupied territory. Russia maintains that Ukraine must acknowledge its new borders for a durable peace agreement to be reached.