The Turkish Ministry of Defense reported that four cargo ships loaded with agricultural products have left Ukrainian ports heading for Istanbul. In a statement from the ministry, it was noted: "The ships have departed from Ukrainian ports and will dock in northern Istanbul, where they will be inspected by the Joint Coordination Center."
The ships include the cargo vessel "Mustafa Niyakati," carrying 6,000 tons of oil; the cargo ship "Star Helena," which will transport 45,000 tons of sunflower seeds to China; the cargo ship "Glory," carrying 66 tons of corn to Istanbul; and the cargo ship "Riva Wind," which will arrive in Iskenderun with 44,000 tons of corn.
Ukrainian grains are being transported from Black Sea ports as part of the "food deal" signed by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations on July 22 in Istanbul. This agreement eliminates restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to global markets and specifies how ships carrying grain will exit Ukrainian Black Sea ports via designated humanitarian sea corridors.
The first ship loaded with Ukrainian grain departed Odessa port on the morning of August 1 and arrived in Istanbul the following evening.
