KYIV: Ukrainian Prime Minister Petro Poroshenko said on Saturday that merchant sailors will be allowed to leave the country if they receive approval from their local military administrative body, easing the process of shipping grain from the country’s ports.
Premier Denys Shmyhal announced on Saturday that the decision had been approved by the cabinet. He added that the change would apply to male crew members of sea and river vessels, as well as students who need to complete practical training aboard ships.
The decision is likely to alleviate a shortage of sailors capable and willing to crew ships entering and exiting Ukraine to export grain through an internationally negotiated corridor.
Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been largely barred from leaving the country as the country battles the Russian invasion. Throughout the war, women of all ages have been free to leave.
Source: Reuters
