New convoy of grain ships sets sail from Ukraine

Four more ships carrying grain and sunflower oil have left Ukraine ports via a safe maritime corridor.

Millions of tonnes of grain have been stuck in Ukraine due to Russian blockades, leading to shortages and higher food prices in other countries.

The latest ships to set sail are bound for Turkey where they’ll be inspected as part of a deal reached with Russia and the United Nations.

Under a deal brokered by Turkey and the UN last month, Russia agreed not to target ships which were in transit, while Ukraine said it would guide vessels through mined waters.

The success of this deal, a rare diplomatic breakthrough in this five-month-old conflict, is vital for Ukraine – and the rest of the world.

The first ship to leave Ukraine last week – the Razoni – departed Odesa carrying 27,000 tonnes of corn bound for the Lebanese port of Tripoli.

However officials have said it will not dock in Tripoli on Sunday as planned.