PRESS RELEASE: Ukrainian Embassy Cites ISRP’s Russia Theft Report as Confirmation of Stolen Grain Aboard Ship Laodicea; Ukrainian Court Issues Orders

WASHINGTON – Days after the release of the Initiative for the Study of Russian Piracy (ISRP)’s “Russia Theft Report,” it’s been cited by the Ukrainian Embassy in Lebanon in its report of stolen grain aboard Laodicea – a Syrian-flagged ship docked in Lebanon’s Tripoli. The Embassy’s statement comes as a Ukrainian court issues an order to seize the ship along with the cargo on board.

The embassy told Reuters, “The ship has traveled from a Crimean port that is closed to international shipping, carrying 5,000 tonnes of barley and 5,000 tonnes of flour that we suspect was taken from Ukrainian stores.” This route is consistent with data collected by ISRP investigators that have been tracking Laodicea, along with dozens of other ships where evidence is clear they are being used to transport Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia.

The embassy says this is the first time a shipment of stolen grains and flour has reached Lebanon.

“When Russia is successful in selling off the Ukrainian assets they’ve been stealing from innocent people and businesses, it’s a revenue source for an unlawful war that is killing more people every day,” said ISRP’s spokesperson, James K. Glassman, a former U.S. Under Secretary of State. “We are glad to be a resource to those trying to stop this and hope Lebanese authorities will hold Russia accountable.”

ISRP’s report can be found on its new resource hub RussiaTheftWatch, along with supporting documents, current news, and analysis.

ISRP will continue to track this criminal theft and provide updates as more data and information are identified.

About ISRP

ISRP is a group of former U.S. government officials, international trade experts, national security experts, and research analysts concerned by the immediate and long-term impacts of Russia’s theft of Ukrainian assets.