Russia and Ukraine officials meet for first direct talks since 2022

A meeting is now underway between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul. It marks the first time the two countries have held direct talks at any level in three years.

Notably, neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or Russian President Vladimir Putin are attending, after several days of confusion.

Zelensky criticized Putin for not sending “any real decision-makers” for the talks.

Another key figure who is not present is US President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly hinted he might upend his Middle East travel schedule to join the negotiations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already put a dampener on the talks, telling reporters the US does not have “high expectations.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to place new sanctions on Moscow following Putin’s no-show. European leaders have been piling pressure on the Russian leader to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.

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Russia and Ukraine war