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.