Zelensky’s grain send-off

THE first grain exports to leave Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia were preparing to depart last night under the watchful eye of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He visited the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk to see a Turkish ship readying to depart – which he said had not happened since February thanks to a Russian blockade.

Ukraine is a key global exporter of wheat, barley, corn and sunflower oil, and the loss of supplies has raised global food prices, threatened political instability and pushed more people into hunger in vulnerable countries.

Mr Zelensky said: ‘It is important that Ukraine remains the guarantor of global food security.’

In a breakthrough brokered by Turkey and the UN last week, Russia agreed to let grain be exported through the Black Sea. But a Russian missile strike on Odesa hours later put the deal at risk.