# Russia and Ukraine have held their first direct talks in three years, where they discussed a ceasefire and talks between the two countries’ leaders. However, there have been no signs of a major breakthrough. A Ukrainian source told CNN the Russian delegation demanded that Kyiv give up land under its control. Neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or Russian President Vladimir Putin were present. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to place new sanctions on Moscow following Putin’s no-show. European leaders have been piling pressure on the Russian leader to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.
Russia and Ukraine officials meet for first direct talks since 2022