The first convoy of ships carrying Ukrainian grain leaves Odessa under a new agreement

The first convoy of ships carrying Ukrainian grain has left the port of Odessa, a sign that last month’s agreement with Russia on facilitating Ukrainian food exports is holding, even as fighting rages across the country.

A convoy consisting of the bulk carriers Navi Star, Rojen and Polarnet left Odessa, Ukraine, on Friday morning, carrying nearly 60,000 tonnes of corn, passing the city whose skyline has been largely clear of ships since the start of the war on February 24.