Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are discussing in their capitals the elements of a possible agreement after the talks in Istanbul on the removal of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports through the military, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, RIA Novosti reported.

"After that, contacts should continue in the same format," she said.

The first talks with the participation of representatives of the UN, as well as delegations of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine on the issue of withdrawal of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports took place the day before, in Istanbul.

After the meeting, Secretary-General António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea, but emphasized that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine.

The tentative date for a new meeting on Ukrainian grain is set for 20-21 July.