Merchant sailors will be allowed to leave Ukraine if they receive approval from their local military administrative body, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said via Telegram on Saturday, a move that could ease the process of shipping grain from the country's ports.

Denys Shmyhal said the decision, approved on Saturday, would cover male crew members of the sea and river vessels and students who need to undertake practical training aboard ships.

(With input from Reuters)