KYIV/ANKARA - 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.

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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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his support for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Ankara on Tuesday, according to the Turkish presidency.

Erdogan said that Türkiye is stepping up its diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, noting that he has spoken with both Putin and Zelensky, said a statement issued by the presidency.

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Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye maintains its neutral stance in the conflict and urged that the opportunity for peace should not be missed.