Russia and Ukraine began their first direct peace talks in three years today in Istanbul, brokered by Turkey, but prospects for ending the over three-year war remain dim.

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, met a Russian team headed by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, though stark differences in ceasefire conditions and diplomatic posturing have tempered hopes for progress.

The talks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s offer for face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Putin rejected, opting for a lower-level delegation.

Also Read: Its Official! Putin Thanks North Korean Troops for Fighting in Ukraine

Zelenskyy called Russia’s team “a theater prop,” accusing Moscow of lacking seriousness, yet sent Umerov to signal Ukraine’s commitment to peace efforts. The Russian delegation includes three senior officials and four “experts,” per the Kremlin.

Ukraine backs a US-European proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia’s conditions, deemed unacceptable by Kyiv, have stalled progress. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, expressed skepticism about a breakthrough, stating only a Trump-Putin meeting could unlock negotiations.

US President Donald Trump, currently leaving from a trip to the Middle East, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his role in resolving the deadlock.

Russian forces are reportedly preparing a new offensive, while Zelenskyy attends a European summit in Albania. The talks, marred by mutual distrust and military escalation, reflect the steep challenge of achieving peace, with Turkey’s mediation struggling to bridge the divide.

Also Read: #JUST IN: Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire for Ukraine War