MOSCOW, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- There are currently no grounds for optimism about a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis due to Ukraine's position, and Russia's special military operation is continuing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

This photo taken on Nov. 10, 2025 shows a view of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Moscow is the political, economic, cultural and technological center of Russia. (Photo: Xinhua)

While there is a trend of growing fatigue with support for Ukraine, some countries, including Britain, are doing their utmost to counter the trend and encourage European countries to continue the conflict with Russia, while increasing their own involvement, including direct technological and technical involvement, Peskov said at a press briefing.

Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's visit for mediation, Peskov said the U.S. envoys were still busy dealing with other areas of U.S. foreign policy and that no date had yet been set for their visit to Russia.

Meanwhile, Peskov said Russia greatly appreciates the efforts of all countries that are genuinely seeking to help resolve the Ukraine crisis.

"There are few such countries, but that makes their efforts all the more valuable and important," he said.