Russia-Ukraine live news: First grain ship departs Odesa

Turkey’s defence ministry says the first shipment of Ukrainian grain will leave the port of Odesa at 05:30 GMT.

“The departure of the cargo ship Razoni flying the flag of Sierra Leone and loaded with maize will leave the port of Odessa bound for Lebanon at 08:30 [05:30 GMT],” the ministry said in a statement, adding other convoys would follow “along the [maritime] corridors because the procedures are completed”.

The Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship, Razoni left the port of Odesa for Lebanon, the ministry said. A statement from the United Nations said the Razoni is carrying over 26,000 tons of maize.

Data from the Razoni’s Automatic Identification System, a safety tracker for ships at sea, showed the vessel slowly coming out from its berth at Odesa port Monday morning alongside a tug boat.

The ship is expected to reach Istanbul on Tuesday, where it will be inspected, before being allowed to proceed, the ministry said.

Agencies