Russia and Ukraine’s first direct talks in three years began Friday with hopes as dim as the gray Istanbul skies.

It was the first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion. While both sides agreed to a prisoner swap, they remain far apart on ending the fighting.

UKRAINE’S President Volodymyr Zelensky today welcomed Russia’s offer for direct peace talks, but insisted there be a full, temporary ceasefire before negotiations can start.