Ukraine's 13 ships carrying over 280,000 tons of grains, agricultural goods leave Odesa

As ruthless war in Eastern Europe continues unabated, Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure stated that a fleet of nearly 13 ships which are carrying over 280,000 tons of grain and agricultural products departed Odesa ports on Sunday, September 4.

According to a Facebook post from Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Ukrainian grains and agricultural products are transported to 8 countries around world. ministry even noted that it is considered to be single-largest cargo of agricultural products to leave war-torn Ukraine since nation mediated an export agreement with Russia, United Nations, and Turkey on July 22. 

Besides this, as parts of East Africa are severely suffering from fatal drought and violence, first ship containing grain from Ukraine for people in world's poorest countries has recently landed at Horn of Africa port of Djibouti. It is pertinent to mention that bulk carrier 'Brave Commander' was organised by UN's World Food Programme (WFP) as first ship since Russia started its assaults on February 24. WFP also announced that Yemen h received second consignment of emergency food aid on August 30. 

Ukraine delivered grains to Horn Of Africa

According to Associated Press report, food security experts described it as 'a drop in bucket' compared to enormous requirements in Ethiopia, one of worst-affected Horn nations, as well as Somalia and Kenya. This first consignment of grain will be transported overland to norrn Ethiopia. According to WFP, 23,000 metric tonnes of grain on first ship are sufficient to feed 1.5 million people for a whole month on full rations. 

After Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine, Moscow effectively closed down Black Sea ports, and Ukraine mined region to deter Russian attacks. Since Ukraine is a major supplier of grain, cost of se essential items skyrocketed, making it inaccessible for millions of disvantaged people who were experiencing severe hunger.  Commercial ships were prohibited from entering ports which are used to export grain from Ukraine. 

Since Russia and Ukraine are two of largest grain exporters in world, embargo h increased grain prices. Ukraine could not export its grains and or agricultural goods as a result of blocke, and Western shippers and insurers were hesitant of signing contracts with Russians for fear of breaking US and EU sanctions, as per media reports. 

After more than two months of diplomatic work by UN and Turkey, a deal was also achieved that said port infrastructure and ships would be safeguarded from hostility. On July 22, multilateral agreements were signed in Istanbul on lifting of export restrictions on Russian commodities and Moscow's assistance in transferring grain from Ukraine. 

(Image: AP)