The first high-level talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early months of Moscow's 2022 invasion showed they are far from agreement on steps needed for a ceasefire, even though they promised a major swap of prisoners of war.

Ten days of intense diplomatic maneuvers by Europeans and the US ahead of the meeting in Turkey were insufficient to reach a deal, as the differences between the two belligerent parties appear insurmountable.

The first direct peace talks in years between Kyiv and Moscow ended on May 16 with Russia once again rejecting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. In turn, Russia demanded that Ukrainian troops leave four of the country's regions,