The Ukrainian Embassy in Lebanon indicated that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia "has been stealing Ukrainian grain from occupied territories with the aim of exporting it to many countries, where numerous ships under different flags are active in transporting this grain. Many of these ships attempt to dock at Lebanese ports, sometimes specifying their destination as the ports of Tripoli and Beirut," according to their statement.
They pointed out that "the Russians continue to ruthlessly pillage southern Ukraine, rich in agricultural products, seizing spoils by sea. The path of these thieving ships is dark, resembling the Black Sea, as they sail in secrecy by disabling their transponders and falsifying documents and product certificates."
The embassy noted that "the Ukrainian Grain Association estimated that as of July 25, 2023, Russia has stolen more than 4 million tons of grain and shipped it abroad, while some ships involved in Russia's dirty dealings reach Lebanese ports."
They emphasized that Ukraine urges "everyone allowing the entry of black ships loaded with stolen Ukrainian grain into their ports to abandon these 'black ships' carrying stolen Ukrainian products, especially grain, and to avoid becoming tools in the hands of thieves. Ultimately, the bread taken from those whose hands are stained with the blood of innocents and who instill terror among civilians, bomb grain storages, and burn grain fields will not bring good or benefit to those who accept it."
