The Russian government plans to allow ships carrying grain supplies to leave the port of Odessa in Ukraine to ease the blockade that has triggered fears of widespread shortages and hunger.

A government report on Monday said the Russian leadership had agreed with Kyiv and Turkey on a scheme to release grain shipments from Odessa.

“In the territorial waters of the neighbouring country, Turkish military forces will take over the demining, and they will also escort the ships as far as neutral waters.

“Russian warships would then escort the vessels carrying grain to the Bosporus,” said the report.

The step comes as food prices soar after Moscow’s war on Ukraine led to massive turbulence on world markets.

The port has been subject to a blockade by Russia.

Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain exporters, and the collapse in its deliveries following Russia’s invasion has hit African countries hard.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently received the president of the African Union and Senegal, Macky Sall, to discuss the issue.

While Mr Putin denied Russia was responsible for the high prices, he said he was willing to facilitate grain deliveries.

Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, is expected in Ankara on Wednesday for talks on the issue.

After the talks, the scheme to release grain from Odessa is to be officially approved.

(dpa/NAN)