Russia, Ukraine Prepare Istanbul Talks Amid Ceasefire Pressure

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are set to begin in Istanbul, marking the first direct negotiations in over three years amidst ongoing conflict. The talks are scheduled to take place behind closed doors at the Dolmabahce Palace, though the exact start time remains disputed, with Ukrainian officials denying a 10 a.m. start time reported by Russian media. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the talks in person as a sign of genuine commitment to peace, but Putin will not be part of the delegation. The Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes high-ranking military and diplomatic officials, while key Kremlin negotiators like Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are notably absent. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Western envoys plan to attend, underscoring international interest in resolving the conflict. Zelenskyy is also engaging with Turkish leadership, highlighting Turkey's role as the host and mediator in the peace process.