Kremlin comments on Ukraine, US envoys, and Putin's SCO plans

On August 20, 2026, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed several topics, including the situation in Ukraine and potential visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Peskov described Witkoff and Kushner as welcome guests and interlocutors for President Putin, but dismissed the possibility of a meeting with Kanye West. He also confirmed Putin's plans to attend the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan and commented on Russia's expectations regarding US and Turkish responses on possible arms transfers to Ukraine. Additionally, Peskov reacted to the idea of 'fishing in troubled waters' in Ukraine, a phrase often used in Russian rhetoric.