Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the names of officials who will represent Russia in the renewed negotiations with Ukraine, set to take place in Turkey today, TASS reported.

The Russian president had been challenged by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in person at the talks on Thursday. 

​The Russian president had been challenged by Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in person at the talks on Thursday.  

There is cautious optimism in eastern Ukraine as talks are set to take place in Istanbul. 

​There is cautious optimism in eastern Ukraine as talks are set to take place in Istanbul.