Russia, Ukraine hold direct talks after 3 years


Ankara, May 17: Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years on Friday in Istanbul. The meeting lasted just over 90 minutes.
Both countries agreed on a large-scale prisoner exchange. They also said they would share ideas for a possible ceasefire.
Leaders also discussed a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, there was no major breakthrough in the talks. The war has been going on for three years, causing heavy destruction and displacing millions in Ukraine.
Ukraine asked for an unconditional ceasefire to stop the ongoing conflict.
Both sides said they will now present their views on how a future ceasefire might look.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years on Friday in Istanbul. The meeting lasted just over 90 minutes.
Both countries agreed on a large-scale prisoner exchange. They also said they would share ideas for a possible ceasefire.
Leaders also discussed a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, there was no major breakthrough in the talks. The war has been going on for three years, causing heavy destruction and displacing millions in Ukraine.
Ukraine asked for an unconditional ceasefire to stop the ongoing conflict.
Both sides said they will now present their views on how a future ceasefire might look.