Russia and Ukraine concluded their first direct peace talks since 2022 in Istanbul, ending in under two hours.
A major breakthrough remained elusive, with both nations agreeing only on a large prisoner swap of 1,000 POWs each.
Ukraine, backed by Western allies, demanded a ceasefire, but Russia rejected the proposal and introduced new demands.
Leaders from the U.S. and Europe called for tougher sanctions.
Meanwhile, fighting intensifies on Ukrainian soil, with casualties mounting and fresh offensives anticipated.
Hopes for a ceasefire dimmed as diplomacy stalled.
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