A container ship left Ukraine’s Odesa port, challenging Russia’s threats following the scrapped grain export deal. The Joseph Schulte, flagged in Hong Kong, departed after Russian airstrikes damaged grain facilities.
This move occurred amidst tensions as Russia vowed to treat departing Ukrainian ships as military targets.
The ship carried over 30,000 metric tons of cargo in 2,114 containers, primarily evacuating ships stuck in Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdennyi ports since Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s grain exports are crucial for global food security, and its counteroffensive to regain occupied territory has led to intense battles.
Recent progress includes reclaiming the village of Urozhaine, marking advancement towards the Sea of Azov.
Ukraine has turned to Danube river ports for grain exports after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal.
This maritime conflict has raised concerns about navigation safety and escalated tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
Turkey hopes Russia will rejoin the grain deal brokered alongside the UN.