Zelensky will meet only with Putin, not other officials

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not meet with any Russian official other than President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, Interfax-Ukraine reported on Tuesday, citing Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak.

According to Podolyak, a lower-level bilateral meeting in Istanbul would be "pointless," as Russian ministers likely lack the authority to make substantive decisions, reported Xinhua, quoting Interfax-Ukraine.

On Sunday, President Putin proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Türkiye. That same day, Zelensky stated he would be prepared to meet with Putin in Istanbul.