The long-awaited negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow commenced in Istanbul at 12:30 PM on Friday, slightly later than originally scheduled.

Earlier, the Russian news agency TASS reported that the talks would begin at noon.

These discussions mark the first direct talks between the two nations since the previous negotiations in Istanbul failed in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Friday's talks would be a continuation of those unsuccessful efforts.

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian side is represented by hawkish former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that the goal is to achieve a 30-day unconditional ceasefire agreement, although the lower-level Russian delegation likely lacks the authority to declare a truce.

A U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Ukrainian team on Friday morning before the negotiations started in Kyiv and Moscow.

Putin, who initially proposed the talks in response to the West’s ceasefire ultimatum, will not participate in today’s discussions.

Zelensky will also be absent, criticizing Putin for sending a “decorative” delegation instead of attending in person.

In a conversation with the Kyiv Post in Antalya, where leading NATO diplomats have gathered for an informal ministerial meeting, two Western officials characterized today’s meetings in Istanbul as either “grand chaos or a very sophisticated diplomatic chess game.”

Previously, the West called for tightening sanctions against Moscow if it fails to comply with an unconditional ceasefire by Monday, May 12, but later stated that Moscow must show progress this week before sanctions are imposed.

The Kremlin announced that the delegation will attempt to address the so-called “root causes” of its invasion in Istanbul, which in past statements has meant the neutralization of Ukraine.