Ukrainian and Russian officials are expected to hold a third round of peace talks in Istanbul today, the first such meeting in over seven weeks, amid US pressure for a ceasefire. However, expectations for a breakthrough are low due to vastly different positions.

Previous talks in May and June yielded only prisoner exchanges, with both sides presenting "diametrically opposed" draft terms for ending the conflict. Ukraine insists on territorial integrity and will not recognize Russia's claims over occupied land, including Crimea. Russia demands Ukraine retreat from four annexed regions and renounce NATO membership.

Ukrainian President Zelensky hopes to discuss prisoner releases and prepare a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, though Moscow states "a lot of work" is needed for a high-level summit. Rustem Umerov leads the Ukrainian delegation, while Vladimir Medinsky, described by Ukraine as a "puppet," heads Russia's team. The talks follow a US ultimatum of sanctions if a peace deal isn't reached within 50 days, and intensified Russian bombardment in Ukraine.