So far Trump’s promises, threats and cajoling have failed to shift the Kremlin’s position, and the stubborn diplomatic stalemate remains in place. Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing more territory on the front line, although there is no sign of a looming collapse of its defenses.

Peskov also did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is expected to visit Moscow on Aug. 6 or 7.