A boat coming from Ukraine loaded with grain, in Bosphorus Sea, Istanbul, Turkey, October 3, 2022 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The UN said it agreed with Ukraine and Turkey on a movement plan for 16 vessels on Monday – 12 outbound from Ukrainian ports and 4 inbound – and it intends to inspect 40 outbound vessels anchored near Istanbul during the day.

The first of 40 planned ship inspections was completed in Istanbul waters with a team of just UN and Turkish inspections. The original plan was for inspection teams to include Russians and Ukrainians.

Turkey is determined to continue the Black Sea grain export deal. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey will continue its efforts to serve humanity even if Russia behaves hesitantly.