Russia-Ukraine War Supported by The two sides met on Monday in Istanbul, but expectations for a breakthrough were low. By Anton TroianovskiAndrew E. KramerConstant Méheut and Ivan Nechepurenko Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul on Monday for peace talks, the second round of negotiations since the adversaries resumed direct dialogue two weeks ago. The two sides were expected to formally exchange their respective conditions for a cease-fire, but expectations for the talks were low. Moscow and Kyiv spoke under pressure from President Trump, who has alternatively cajoled and chided the leaders of both countries. But Russia and Ukraine have been holding firm, and neither was expected to present terms that are acceptable to the other side. The talks — which took place at a five-star hotel on the shore of the Bosporus and lasted less than two hours — came a day after Russia and Ukraine exchanged some of the most intense air attacks of the war. Here’s what you need to know about the cease-fire talks: At the first Istanbul meeting in mid-May, both sides agreed to conduct a large prisoner swap, — and to write up and share with each other the conditions for a possible cease-fire. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.