The first grain ship bound for Africa from Ukraine since Russia began its "special military operation" in February docked in the port of Pivdennyi on Friday, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov has revealed.

"The cargo ship Brave Commander arrived at the Pivdennyi Sea Port. Very soon, (Ukrainian) grain will be delivered to Ethiopia," Kubrakov wrote on Twitter.

In parallel, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the appointment of Amir Mahmoud Abdulla of Sudan on Friday as the UN's coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

(With input from agencies)