The Kremlin said today that Russia will continue talks with the United Nations and other parties involved in the Black Sea grain deal and that Moscow will not do anything to harm its own interests.

In a teleconference with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “The Russian side will continue contacts with the United Nations and other representatives in the hope that the terms of the agreement will eventually be met.”

He added: “Of course, Russia will not do anything else that goes against its interests.”

Russia complains that exports of its own food and fertilizers continue to face significant obstacles.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said talks between Russia and the United Nations on the Black Sea deal would take place in Moscow on Friday, with the United Nations represented by top trade official Rebecca Greenspan.