The first direct talks on halting Russia's war on Ukraine in more than three years appeared to collapse in a matter of hours after Moscow's delegation reportedly demanded that Kyiv give up more land to guarantee a ceasefire.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source told AFP this afternoon that the talks, which began around 10:30am BST, had already concluded due to Russia's negotiators 'making unacceptable demands'.
The disheartening revelation comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined a challenge by his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to meet face to face in Turkey for talks.
Moscow instead elected to send a junior delegation to Istanbul for the negotiations aimed at ending the worst conflict in Europe since World War II.
Kyiv is seeking an 'unconditional ceasefire' in the fighting that has killed tens of thousands, destroyed large swathes of Ukraine and displaced millions of people.
