Staff Reporter :
Ukraine has urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi entities accused of importing wheat originating from Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation.
Kyiv alleges that the grain was unlawfully seized by Russian forces, blended with Russian produce, and subsequently exported to countries including Bangladesh.
Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to India, told Reuters that multiple communications sent to the Bangladeshi foreign ministry-detailing specific vessels and shipment dates-were disregarded, prompting Ukraine to escalate the issue through diplomatic channels.
“This is a crime,” Polishchuk stated. “We are sharing our investigation with EU partners and will request appropriate measures.”
Ukraine warns that continued imports of such grain could trigger serious consequences, including EU sanctions not only on private importers but also on Bangladeshi government officials allegedly neglecting these activities.
A letter from the Ukrainian embassy dated 11 June asserts that this trade exacerbates humanitarian suffering and infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Officials from Bangladesh’s Food Ministry reject the allegations, affirming that the country does not import grain from occupied Ukrainian regions and prohibits imports lacking proper origin certification.
Russia maintains that the territories are legally part of its federation and denies any theft.
While the EU has yet to sanction the vessels named by Ukraine, EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper acknowledged that proven involvement in transporting stolen grain could result in future sanctions.
Grain exports remain a crucial revenue source for war-affected Ukraine, which maintains that its laws forbid any voluntary trade with Russia, including produce from occupied areas.
Bangladesh was the fourth-largest importer of Russian wheat in May 2025, raising concerns in Kyiv about how grain from disputed regions may be channelled through Russia’s export system.
