In the first direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia since 2022, held in Istanbul, negotiations quickly broke down due to Russia's demands, which Ukraine and its allies deemed unacceptable. Russia insisted that Ukraine withdraw from several territories, including regions it does not fully control, a condition Ukraine described as "detached from reality" and a "non-starter". Despite the impasse, both sides agreed to a significant prisoner exchange, with 1,000 prisoners released by each side—the largest such swap since the conflict began. However, no progress was made toward a ceasefire. Russia rejected a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire and maintained its maximalist demands, including Ukraine's withdrawal from its own territories and limitations on its sovereignty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, not present at the...