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.

After dangling the possibility of his attendance, Trump said he would stay away but still wants to meet with Putin, further weakening the Istanbul talks.