The attack took place less than 24 hours after the signing of the Black Sea agreements on the export of grain from Ukrainian ports.

"Yesterday, all parties made clear commitments on the global stage to ensure the safe movement of Ukrainian grain and related products to global markets. These products are desperately needed to address the global food crisis and ease the suffering of millions of people in need around the globe. Full implementation by the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Turkey is imperative", António Guterres said in a statement published by his spokesperson.

In Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian Ministers signed on Friday the Black Sea Grain Initiative to resume Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war. The agreement is meant to secure the transit of millions of tons of grain.

The Russian invasion, which began on 24 February, has sparked record food and fuel prices, as well as supply chain issues, with mountains of grain stocks stuck in silos.

According to media reports, at least six explosions were heard in Odesa on Saturday morning, and so far is unclear what the strikes were targeting and whether any grain infrastructure was hit. (ILKHA)