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Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Istanbul for the first time since 2022, as part of an agreement of peace negotiations hosted by Turkey.

The meeting, facilitated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, saw no handshakes or signs of a thaw, with both delegations maintaining firmly opposing positions. Despite limited expectations, the talks are seen as a tentative step toward re-engagement, according to BBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a strong international response if a ceasefire agreement is not reached.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed a desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting, "as soon as we can." Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded a halt to the violence, stating, "The killing must stop", BBC reported.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli handed over the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) to the representative of the President of Azerbaijan and President of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev, in order to disseminate a positive message in Sagarmatha Sambaad.  

 At an inaugural session of the most awaited Sagarmatha Sambaad, Prime Minister Oli officially unveiled NDC-3 and handed it over to Babayev.

The Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday had endorsed the NDC draft prepared by the Ministry of Forests and Environment based on the Paris Agreement under the COP-21 of the party country of United Nations Framework related to Climate Change. 

Nepal prepared the NDC in accordance with goals set in the Paris Agreement which has the provision that all party countries have to submit their NDC in every five years. Nepal had submitted its first NDC in 2016 and second in 2020. It had approved the NDC-3 with a goal of submitting it by 2025. 

Nepal has prepared the draft incorporating sustainable goals, mobilization of domestic and international financial sources and climate implementation plan up to local levels covering the period up to 2035.

US President Donald Trump has called for an urgent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying no progress can be made in the Russia-Ukraine conflict without their direct talks.

Peace talks, mediated by Turkey, are scheduled to commence in Istanbul. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also in town for discussions with Turkish and Ukrainian officials, expressed low expectations for the outcome, as reported by BBC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is sending his military minister, but criticized Russia for not being serious about genuine negotiations.

US, Ukrainian, and Turkish officials met Friday at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul ahead of upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

The US delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador Tom Barrack, and Special Representative Keith Kellogg. Ukraine was represented by Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and Andrii Sybiha. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired the meeting, joined by intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, as reported by Associated Press.

A follow-up session with Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish delegations is scheduled, led by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky. It marks the first direct Ukraine-Russia contact since March 2022.