The first shipment of grain left Odesa yesterday under a United Nations-backed deal to lift a blockade imposed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The first shipment of grain left Odesa yesterday under a United Nations-backed deal to lift a blockade imposed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Razoni, a Sierra Leone-flagged bulk carrier, headed to Lebanon carrying 26,000 tons of corn, following weeks of negotiations to unblock vital agricultural exports from the war zone and ease a global food crisis.
“Ukraine, with its partners, is taking another step towards preventing world hunger,” said Oleksandr Kubrakov, the minister for infrastructure.
“Unlocking ports will provide at least $1bn (€980m) in foreign exchange to the economy and a chance for the agricultural sector to plan for next year,” he added.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called it a “day of relief for the world, especially for our friends in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa”.
“This is a glimmer of hope in a worsening food crisis,” a German foreign ministry spokesperson told a government briefing.
France welcomed the shipment while condemning what it called “indiscriminate” Russian strikes against Ukraine, including on Odesa’s port, which it said were undermining the agreement.
Russia struck what it said was military infrastructure in the port the day after the deal was agreed. Ukraine said the strikes landed near a pumping station.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he hoped it would be the first of many such cargos and that the UN would charter a ship to replenish supplies of aid.
