Ukraine talks host Turkey urges ceasefire 'as soon as possible'

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday it was essential to secure a ceasefire "as soon as possible" as Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for their first direct talks in more than three years.

"While the war continues to take lives, it is of critical importance that the ceasefire be implemented as soon as possible," he said at the opening of the talks at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace.

The talks must also work towards bringing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin together, Fidan said as he officially opened the talks.

"It is also very important that these talks form the basis of a leaders' meeting. We wholeheartedly believe it is possible to reach peace through constructive negotiations," he added.