So, Russia and Ukraine are still as far apart as ever, with the two warring countries unable to make a significant breakthrough in direct talks in Istanbul.

US President Donald Trump is open to joining a proposed peace summit with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky in Turkey, if both are willing to engage. Turkish President Erdogan has suggested hosting the meeting in Istanbul or Ankara.

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are gathered in Turkey for their second round of direct peace talks in just over two weeks, although expectations were low for any significant progress on ending th