The Latest Breaking News from Istanbul

A senior Ukrainian official at the peace talks in Istanbul accused Moscow of introducing “unacceptable demands” that had not been previously discussed, including calls for Kyiv’s forces to withdraw from large swaths of territory they control so a complete ceas efire to be implemented

The first direct talks on halting Russia's war on Ukraine in more than three years started on Friday in Istanbul, with low expectations the two sides will agree to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

Zelensky accuses Moscow of sending ‘theatre prop’ negotiating team to Turkey

Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv will be in Istanbul Friday for what could be their first direct meeting on the conflict in Ukraine since 2022, but the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves little hope for progress in ending the war.

Gen. Oleg Salyukov is the latest high-ranking military figure to be dismissed; Germany’s Merz says EU sanctions on Russia ready for Tuesday. What we know on day 1,178

Two sides set for first direct negotiations since March 2022 but Russia’s lower-level delegation in Istanbul seen as snub

This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

Officials from Moscow and Kyiv have started talks, but few expect significant progress from the low-level meeting.

Russian President accused of ‘lack of respect’ after failing to attend the talks himself and sending low-level delegation