Kremlin hopes grain deal will be fully implemented

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The Kremlin views the departure of the first ship of Ukrainian grain as a beacon of hope, with Peskov holding high expectations of the grain deal signed in Istanbul in July. 

"On the fact of the departure of the first ship, this is very, very positive. This is a good opportunity to test the effectiveness of the mechanisms agreed upon at the Istanbul talks. Let's hope that all agreements will be implemented from all sides," Peskov told reporters.

On another note, regarding the tension in Kosovo, Russia pledged its support to Serbia’s constructive stance and emphasized that the guarantor countries should exert influence to avoid further escalation, Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov stated on Monday.

"We support the constructive position taken by Belgrade in this context … the calls for peace that were voiced by the president of Serbia. We, of course, believe that those countries that have recognized Kosovo and are guarantors should use all their influence to warn the Kosovo authorities against taking any ill-considered steps that could lead to further escalation," he announced to reporters.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia only temporarily evaded 

Although the possibility to curb the escalation of conflict between Serbia and Kosovo was likely, it is now only postponed a month further, with Moscow deeming Pristina’s demands unreasonable while demonstrating support for Belgrade’s position concerning Kosovo.  

"... we managed to avoid some kind of escalation last night but the situation has only been postponed for one month, so it is very important to show restraint from all sides," Peskov told reporters.

Kosovo stated that starting August 1, Serbian-issued documents would be invalid and their owners would receive temporary certificates when entering Kosovo, including the obligatory re-registration of vehicles carrying Serbian license plates, which would affect Serbians in the northern part of Kosovo and other towns. This not only increased tensions after local Serbs blocked roads in northern Kosovo, but Pristina was compelled to postpone the entry restrictions until September 1.

"We absolutely support Serbia. We are close to the Kosovo Serbs, we believe that these are absolutely unreasonable demands," Peskov told reporters, calling for the rights of Serbs living in Kosovo to be respected.

Nord Stream gas under pressure due to sanctions, Gazprom not a solution

The Nord Stream pipeline function was under threat due to Western sanctions, with Peskov adding that there is not much that Gazprom can do.

"There are no additional comments. Gazprom outlined the real situation, the real state of affairs, there are breakdowns that require urgent repairs, and there are certain ... artificial difficulties that were introduced by ... illegal restrictions, This situation needs to be resolved and there is little that the Russian side can do here," Peskov commented, following Gazprom's accusation of Siemens' breach of contract for repairing one of the turbines.