The second ship to load Ukrainian grain at the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk since July has departed and more ships are on their way for loading, as Kyiv defies Russia’s de-facto maritime blockade.

The movements mark Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim its trade routes through the Black Sea, which had effectively been blocked since Russia exited a safe-corridor deal brokered by the UN and Turkey. While one small ship has transited safely so far, the passage is fraught with risks and so far mainstream owners are unwilling to send vessels there.