A Turkish-owned cargo ship was seized at the Port of Reni and its captain was detained on charges that the vessel was used by Russia to illegally export Ukrainian grain from occupied Crimea.
According to the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the USKO MFU general cargo carrier, sailing under the Cameroonian flag, entered and exited the Port of Sevastopol in Crimea on multiple occasions between November 2023 and May this year.
During these visits, the ship was loaded with over 3000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain, which Ukrainian prosecutors allege was then sold for the benefit of Russia.
"While in Sevastopol the cargo ship was loaded with more than 3000 tonnes of grain for delivery to a Turkish company," Ukrainian prosecutors stated.
The SBU has accused the ship and its crew of executing orders from the Russian Federation to remove the Ukrainian grain stored in occupied Crimea.
This seizure comes amidst ongoing tensions over grain exports from Ukraine.
In 2023, Ukraine and Russia reached a deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, to allow the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.
However, Ukraine has accused Russia of continuing to loot grain from occupied areas.
The detention of the USKO MFU and its captain represents Ukraine's latest effort to prevent the illegal export of its agricultural products from Russian-occupied territories.
Ukrainian authorities have stated they will continue to take action against any vessels suspected of involvement in such activities.
