Reference News Network, August 4 report. According to Sputnik News, on August 4, the press secretary of the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia considers the contact with the U.S. President's Special Envoy for Middle East Issues, Steven Witko, to be of great importance, substantive and highly effective.

Peskov told reporters: "We have always welcomed contact with Mr. Witko, considering such contacts crucial, substantive and highly effective."

Previously, U.S. President Trump stated that Witko may visit Russia on August 6 or 7.

Peskov said that the Kremlin does not rule out the possibility of arranging a meeting between Russian President Putin and the U.S. envoy Witko this week.

When asked if representatives of Russian and U.S. leaders might meet this week, Peskov responded to reporters: "We do not rule out the possibility of such a meeting."

Peskov emphasized that Russia has always welcomed the visit of the U.S. President's Special Envoy for Middle East Issues, Steven Witko, to Moscow.

Peskov said: "We are always looking forward to receiving Mr. Witko in Moscow and value every encounter with him."

Peskov said that the work done by the U.S. in mediating the Ukraine conflict is important, including the work done in direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Peskov told reporters: "Dialogue continues, and the United States continues to work on finding ways to mediate the Ukraine conflict. These efforts are important, including the work done in the process of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Work is ongoing."

According to AFP, on August 4, U.S. President Trump confirmed on August 3 that his envoy Witko will visit Russia next week, before the final deadline for U.S. sanctions and the escalation of tensions with Moscow.

Trump set the weekend as a deadline, requiring Russia to take measures to end the Ukraine war, otherwise Russia would face unspecified new sanctions.

The leader said that Witko will make a trip on "Wednesday or Thursday."

Before efforts to restore relations with the Kremlin were abruptly halted, Russian President Putin had met Witko multiple times in Moscow.

When asked what message Witko would convey to Moscow and whether Russia could do something to avoid sanctions, Trump answered: "Yes, reach an agreement, no more casualties." (Translated by Wenyi)

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