Russia and Ukraine’s first direct talks in three years began Friday with hopes as dim as the gray Istanbul skies.

The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began ended in less than two hours, with President Trump expressing his willingness to intervene after Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the meeting.

The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early weeks of Moscow's 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours on Friday without agreement on a ceasefire, though both sides announce