Russian and Ukrainian delegates have begun their third set of direct talks in Istanbul, days after US President Donald Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to make peace or face “very severe tariffs.”

Russian propaganda is forging photos of protests against the NABU (the National Anti-Corruption Bureau) law in Kyiv in an attempt to create the illusion that Ukrainians are ready to surrender, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation on Telegram.

Russia and Ukraine delegates are meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, today to resume peace talks. But the Kremlin has once again swerved Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 's request for a high-profile summit, the only meeting he believes could lead to peace in his country.

Russia and Ukraine discussed further prisoner swaps on Wednesday at a brief session of peace talks in Istanbul, but the sides remained far apart on ceasefire terms and a possible meeting of their leaders.

A third round of talks ended without progress toward ending the war.

New waves of deadly Russian missiles pounded Ukraine overnight Sunday while long range drone attacks by Kyiv sparked travel chaos at Moscow’s airports.

The latest talks could be an early litmus test on how seriously Moscow perceives President Trump's threats to impose sanctions — and how Russia might respond.

Russia is open to peace with Ukraine, but achieving its goals remains a priority, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Sunday, days after U.S. President Donald Trump gave Moscow a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions.