Ships carrying grain leave Ukraine despite Russia pulling out of deal

Cargo ships have left Ukraine carrying grain (Khalil Hamra/AP)

Ships loaded with grain have left Ukraine despite Russia suspending its participation in a UN-brokered deal that ensures safe wartime passage of critical food supplies meant for parts of the world struggling with hunger.

The UN said three ships carrying 84,490 metric tons of corn, wheat and sunflower meal left through a humanitarian sea corridor set up in July.