So, Russia and Ukraine are still as far apart as ever, with the two warring countries unable to make a significant breakthrough in direct talks in Istanbul. While there was agreement to exchange more prisoners,

After Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian air bases, the two sides talked for less than an hour in Istanbul, and a halt to the fighting seems out of reach for now.

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya confirmed Russia had rejected an unconditional ceasefire, instead offering a “specific ceasefire for two to three days in certain areas of the front line,” which Russia claimed was for collecting the bodies of fallen soldiers.