Direct talks between Ukraine and Russia to discuss ending the conflict began in Istanbul. These are the first direct talks in over three years. Expectations are low for a resolution.
Kyiv seeks an unconditional ceasefire. Moscow aims to address the conflict's root causes and revive 2022 negotiations. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the meeting.
The meeting occurred at Dolmabahce Palace with delegations facing each other. Both sides have faced pressure to negotiate. A Ukrainian diplomatic source mentioned discussing a potential Putin-Zelensky meeting.