Even as the Kiev authorities declared help was on the way for “Middle East, Africa and Asia,” none of the grain ships that have departed Ukrainian ports by Tuesday are headed for African countries most at risk of starvation, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, the first ship to leave under the “grain corridor” arrangement saw its cargo rejected by the buyers in Lebanon, who cited the delivery delay.

“catastrophic levels of hunger,” the Times reported on Tuesday.

said that it “sends a message of hope to every family in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia,” adding, “Ukraine won’t abandon you.”

“ready to continue being the guarantor of world food security.”

quoted by AP. 

The first ship to leave Ukraine under the “grain corridor” arrangement carried 26,000 metric tons of chicken feed, destined for Lebanon. The Sierra Leone-flagged freighter Razoni sailed out of Odessa on August 1 to much fanfare – only to be turned back from Beirut on Monday, after the Lebanese buyer refused to accept the shipment as several months too late. 

“blockading” its ports, while Moscow pointed out it was the Ukrainian military that mined the sea lanes.

Eventually, the UN and Turkey mediated a deal to arrange safe passage to ships coming and going to Ukrainian ports. The outbound vessels are inspected to ensure they are carrying grain, fertilizer and food, while the incoming ships are checked for weapons.

Lavrov vowed that Moscow was “taking all measures” to ensure the delivery of contractually promised supplies.