First grain ship leaves Ukraine

As Russian shelling kills Ukrainian agriculture mogul

KYIV (AFP) – The first shipment of Ukrainian grain left the port of Odesa yesterday morning, Turkey announced, as Kyiv said the “brutal” shelling by Moscow of the southern city Mykolaiv had killed an agriculture tycoon.

The blockage of deliveries from warring Russia and Ukraine – two of the world’s biggest grain exporters – has contributed to soaring food prices, hitting the world’s poorest nations especially hard.

Last month both sides signed a landmark deal with Turkey and the United Nations aimed at relieving the global food crisis.

“The ship Razoni has left the port of Odesa bound for Tripoli in Lebanon,” the Turkish ministry said in a statement.

“It is expected in Istanbul on Aug. 2. It will then continue its journey after it has been inspected in Istanbul,” the statement added.

Other convoys would follow, respecting the maritime corridor and the agreed formalities, it said.

The Joint Coordination Center, the organization overseeing the grain exports, said the Razoni is carrying “over 26,000 metric tons” of maize.

While the much needed grain exports will be welcomed, the war in Ukraine rages on.

Ukrainian agricultural magnate Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa were killed when a missile struck their house, authorities said.

Vadatursky owned major grain exporter Nibulon and was previously decorated with the prestigious “Hero of Ukraine” award.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences and paid tribute to Vadatursky in his Sunday address.

Mykolaiv – which has been attacked frequently – is the closest Ukrainian city to the southern front where Kyiv’s forces are looking to launch a major counter-offensive to recapture territory lost after Russia’s February invasion.