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."

European leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire or face more sanctions.