The first grain ship to leave Ukrainian ports since the start of Russia's "special military operation" passed inspection on Wednesday and was heading through the Bosphorus for a delivery that foreign powers hope will be the first of many to help ease a global food crisis. 

Razoni, carrying 26,527 tonnes of corn, departed Ukraine's Odesa port on Monday and anchored at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait on Tuesday night.

The shipment was made possible after Türkiye and the United Nations brokered a deal between Russia and Ukraine last month.

Ukraine said it had 17 more vessels loaded with agricultural products awaiting approval to set sail.

Ukraine's ambassador to Lebanon, Ihor Ostash, said the Razoni was expected to arrive in Tripoli port in four to five days.

(With input from Reuters)