Overview

• Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) detained a foreign-flagged vessel in its territorial waters, accusing it of transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.
• The ship is alleged to be part of Russia's 'shadow' fleet, used to smuggle looted Ukrainian grain to third countries.
• Investigators claim the vessel exported 5,000 tonnes of wheat from Sevastopol, Crimea, in late 2024, stolen from occupied Ukrainian territory.
• The ship reportedly operated under the flag of an Asian country during the alleged illegal export operation.
• This marks the second known seizure by Ukraine, following the July 2024 detention of another vessel suspected of aiding Russia's grain exports.