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

Zelensky accused the Russian side of not taking the talks seriously, and that he did not see decision-makers among their delegation, despite direct negotiations taking place at the urging of Moscow. He had earlier described the Russian delegation as "theatrical."

Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each during peace talks held in Istanbul on Friday, in what would be the biggest prisoner swap of the conflict. The negotiations, which lasted less than two hours and were mediated by Turkey, marked the first time the nations have engaged in direct peace talks since the war began.