UN 'doing everything possible' to continue Ukraine grain deal: Official

UN's humanitarian affairs chief said Friday the international body "is doing everything possible" to preserve the deal to facilitate grain exports from Ukraine.

"The United Nations under the leadership of our Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) is doing everything possible to make sure that that Black Sea Grain Initiative can continue," said Martin Griffiths at a UN Security Council briefing.

"We continue to engage closely with all parties," he added.

Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine signed a deal in Istanbul last July to resume grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were halted after the Ukraine war began in February.

The deal, extended for 120 days in November, will expire on Saturday.