Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are in Istanbul for the first face-to-face talks in more than two weeks
Ukraine says its top priority from the talks, which will begin early on Tuesday, is to negotiate a ceasefire.
But hopes of progress are slim, with both sides playing down the chances of a breakthrough.
Turkey’s President Erdogan says it’s time the talks yield “concrete results”
Chelsea owner and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has turned up at the meetings.
The Russian and Ukrainians delegations have now arrived at the Dolmabahce – President Erdogan’s office on the banks of the Bosphorus here in Istanbul.
They’re sat along a long table facing each other.
The Turkish leader has addressed them, followed by applause.
These are the first face-to-face talks in over a fortnight but hopes of any breakthrough are low.
Erdogan spoke of his “deep sorrow” that conflict has entered its fifth week, saying Turkey’s friendship with both countries gave it an obligation to mediate.
“It is in the hands of both sides to stop this tragedy,” he said.
Turkey is a Nato member but retains strong ties with Russia.
Mr Erdogan has resisted joining the West’s sanctions against Moscow – one of the few countries still to do so.
Source: www.bbcnews.com