The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early weeks of the war lasted just two hours in Istanbul on Friday and only agreed on a prisoner swap — a sign the two sides remain very far apart over ending the conflict.

Ukraine will make securing a ceasefire a priority in expected talks with a Russian delegation in Istanbul on Friday, a Ukrainian diplomatic source said, adding there was also a need for "confidence-building measures".

The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours. While both sides agreed on a large prisoner swap, they clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting.