Russia and Ukraine’s first direct talks in three years began Friday with hopes as dim as the gray Istanbul skies.

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Ukraine will make securing a ceasefire a priority in expected talks with a Russian delegation in Istanbul on Friday, a Ukrainian diplomatic source said, adding there was also a need for "confidence-building measures".

As per the heads of both delegations, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each at the brief Istanbul talks.