Russia supplies likely stolen Ukrainian grain to Yemeni Houthis – Bellingcat

Russia is reportedly supplying grain, likely stolen from Ukraine, to the Houthis, who control most of Yemen.

Source: a conclusion made by investigators from Bellingcat and Lloyd's List based on data on the movement of a ship transporting grain

Details: The investigators have mentioned a cargo vessel named Zafar, which has made at least two voyages from Crimea to Yemen in recent months.

The investigators noted that the grain was loaded onto Zafar in October at the port of the Russian-occupied city of Sevastopol. In November, the vessel arrived at the port of Al Salif in western Yemen, having previously stopped at the port of Djibouti for inspection by the UN Inspection and Verification Mechanism (UNVIM).

Despite the inspection, investigators say Zafar was able to pass through the control, even though occupied Sevastopol was listed as its port of departure.

Zafar had previously made a similar voyage from Sevastopol and also evaded detection. The vessel concealed its presence by switching off its automated identification system (AIS).

The port of Sevastopol is sanctioned by the US and the UK, and the terminal where the vessel docked is under EU sanctions. However, ships can evade legal consequences since there are no UN sanctions against Sevastopol or Russia.

The exact origin of the grain transported by the Zafar is unknown. However, Ukrainian farmers in the occupied territories have repeatedly accused the Russian military of stealing grain for export, according to the investigation.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called the case outrageous. "Ukraine continues to make every effort to expose Russia’s systematic and widespread theft of Ukrainian grain, as well as its illegal transfer through Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories and unlawful activities in our closed sea ports," the ministry said.

Yemen, one of the world's poorest countries, has been ravaged by civil war for many years. The conflict between the internationally recognised government and the Iranian-backed Houthis has caused a humanitarian disaster, resulting in widespread death and the displacement of millions.

Background: Since 2022, Russia and its partners have sold nearly US$1 billion worth of grain stolen from Ukraine's occupied territories.

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