Ukraine has claimed a victory against what it calls Russia's 'shadow grain fleet,' after a ship carrying allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain was forced to abandon its attempt to unload in Israel. The Panama-flagged vessel, Panormitis, left Israeli territorial waters following a week of pressure from Kyiv, which has vowed to intensify its campaign against such operations.
Kyiv's Campaign Against Illegal Grain Exports
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a more systematic approach to targeting vessels transporting grain illegally exported by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories. 'We will systematically act against the shadow grain fleet, in the same way we act against the shadow oil fleet,' he stated. Ukraine's Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko confirmed that the Panormitis departed for neutral seas after procedural measures were taken by Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Ukraine would continue tracking the vessel and cautioned all parties involved: 'Do not buy stolen Ukrainian grain. Do not become part of this crime.'
The vessel's manager could not be reached for comment. The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel's grain importers association stated the importing company, Zenziper, was compelled to reject the shipment. Zenziper did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Radio Sweden reported that Swedish authorities seized another bulk carrier, the Caffa, linked to illegal exports of Ukrainian grain.
Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities
Ukraine's SBU security service announced a second drone attack in two days on oil facilities at Perm, deep inside Russia, this time hitting an oil refinery owned by Lukoil. The Perm refinery, located over 1,500 km from Ukraine, is one of Russia's largest with a capacity of nearly 13 million metric tonnes per year. Ukraine's military also struck a refinery in Orsk, Orenburg region, causing a fire. The general staff stated the facility supplies the Russian occupation army.
Explosion Targets 'Butcher of Bucha'
An explosion in a closed military town in Russia's far east killed an army officer in an apparent attempt to target Major General Azatbek Omurbekov, known as the 'Butcher of Bucha,' for his role in the massacre of over 400 civilians. Sources said the bomb was placed incorrectly, killing a subordinate instead. Neither Russia nor Ukraine commented on the incident. The EU has sanctioned Omurbekov over the Bucha atrocities.
Japan's Potential Arms Support for Ukraine
Ukraine's ambassador to Japan, Yurii Lutovinov, indicated that Japan's relaxation of weapons-export rules could eventually allow Tokyo to supply military equipment to help Ukraine resist Russia's invasion. Japanese drone firm Terra Drone plans to increase investment in Ukrainian defence tech through a partnership with WinnyLab. However, Ukraine is not on the list of 17 countries with defence agreements with Japan, and any deal may be distant due to Japan's energy ties with Moscow, including imports of Russian LNG from the Sakhalin-2 project, which accounts for nearly 9% of Japan's LNG imports. Discussions are also ongoing about Japan contributing to Europe's Purl programme for US-made equipment for Kyiv. Japan's government plans to unveil a defence strategy this year calling for increased drone capabilities, but no direct arms supply to Ukraine has been announced.
