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Russia and Ukraine are in Istanbul for the first face-to-face talks in more than two weeks
![Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are in Istanbul for the first face-to-face talks in more than two weeks]()
Erdoğan opens peace talks: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed delegations from both sides at an Istanbul palace, saying "stopping this tragedy" was up to them. Ukrainian television reported the talks had begun with "a cold welcome" and no handshake. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are in Istanbul for the first face-to-face talks in more than two weeks
Erdoğan opens peace talks: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed delegations from both sides at an Istanbul palace, saying "stopping this tragedy" was up to them. Ukrainian television reported the talks had begun with "a cold welcome" and no handshake.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met in Turkey on Tuesday for the first face-to-face talks in nearly three weeks, with Ukraine seeking a ceasefire without compromising on territory or sovereignty as its forces have pushed Russians back from Kyiv.
The Russian and Ukrainians delegations have now arrived at the Dolmabahce - President Erdogan’s office on the banks of the Bosphorus here in Istanbul.
They're sat along a long table facing each other. The Turkish leader has addressed them, followed by applause.
These are the first face-to-face talks in over a fortnight but hopes of any breakthrough are low.
Erdogan spoke of his “deep sorrow” that conflict has entered its fifth week, saying Turkey’s friendship with both countries gave it an obligation to mediate.
"It is in the hands of both sides to stop this tragedy," he said.
Turkey is a Nato member but retains strong ties with Russia. Mr Erdogan has resisted joining the West’s sanctions against Moscow - one of the few countries still to do so.
Peace will not have a loser - Erdogan
Continuing with his welcome, Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is a lot resting on the talks.
He says a "fair peace" will not have a loser and that the conflict continuing benefits no one.
"At such a critical time we are pleased to welcome you and to contribute to your efforts to establish peace," he says, adding: "I wish that our meetings and discussions will prove to be auspicious for your countries, our region and all humankind."
He has called for an immediate ceasefire and says stopping the tragedy is up to both sides.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich - the owner of Chelsea football club - has been spotted inside the Istanbul talks.
In pictures broadcast by Turkish media, he is seen sitting at a table alongside Ibrahim Kalin - a spokesman for President Erdogan, and is wearing translation headphones.
He’s not at the main table of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
Kalin has reportedly helped coordinate meetings between the Russian oligarch and a member of the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul hotels.
The presence of Abramovich suggests he’s still involved at some level in the mediation attempts.
Yesterday reports emerged that he suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning at peace talks on the Ukraine-Belarus border earlier this month.
