Ukraine to Seek EU Sanctions on Bangladesh Over Stolen Grain Imports
Ukraine has announced its intention to ask the European Union to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi companies and officials alleged to have imported Ukrainian grain illegally appropriated by Russia from occupied regions. Kyiv claims that over 150,000 tonnes of wheat was exported via Russia’s Kavkaz port, blended to conceal its origin, and ultimately shipped to Bangladesh.
Stolen Grain
Ukraine contends that Russia is stealing grain from occupied Ukrainian territory and blending it with Russian produce to obscure tracking. The Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi reportedly dispatched four diplomatic letters this year to Dhaka, detailing the vessels involved and requesting that Bangladesh block such grain imports.
EU Sanctions
Frustrated by the lack of response from Bangladesh, Ukraine plans to escalate the matter by urging the EU to sanction both firms and officials implicated in facilitating the illicit grain trade. Under existing EU directives, ships found carrying grain without legitimate origins could be targeted for restrictions and penalties.
Bangladesh Response
Bangladeshi officials deny importing stolen Ukrainian grain, asserting that they only purchase legally verified produce and avoid grain from occupied areas. However, Ukraine maintains that it never received an official reply from Dhaka regarding its warnings.
Strategic Implications
Ukraine’s appeal to the EU underscores the increasing use of economic diplomacy to protect its agricultural exports and block unfair competition. The move aims to deter future illegal transactions and uphold global trade norms during the ongoing Ukraine–Russia conflict.
