Last month Russia pulled out of a deal guaranteeing safe passage for exports across the Black Sea, and said any ship heading for Ukrainian ports could be considered a military target. Ukraine is a major grain and oilseeds exporter, and the blockade has contributed to raising food prices globally. A merchant ship has left the Ukrainian port of Odesa, despite concerns Russia could target vessels in the Black Sea. Kyiv has announced a “humanitarian corridor” in the Black Sea after a deal collapsed last month which had allowed it to export grain. Will Russia respect the corridor ?
