Turkey says a deal has been reached with Russia to allow Ukraine to resume exports of grain through the Black Sea.

It is to be signed today, Friday July 22, 2022 in Istanbul by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The world shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia’s 24 February invasion has left millions at risk of hunger.

The invasion has reportedly sent food prices soaring, so the deal to unblock Ukraine’s ports is crucial.

Some 20 million tonnes of grain is said to be stuck in silos in Odesa.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry confirmed that another UN-led round of talks to unblock grain exports would take place in Turkey on Friday – and a document “may be signed”.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his late-night address that Kyiv awaited news “regarding the unblocking of our ports”.