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Russia and Ukraine to meet in Istanbul, but expectations low

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to media after disembarking from the plane upon his arrival at Ankara airport, in Ankara, on May 15, 2025. [AFP]

Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv are in Istanbul Friday, where they plan to hold their first direct peace talks since 2022, but the absence of presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky leaves little hope for progress in ending the war.

Turkey said a tripartite meeting between Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish officials will take place at 12:30 pm local time (0930 GMT) at the Turkish presidency's Dolmabahce Palace.

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