Switzerland stated that it acted in accordance with the law and international agreements.

Swiss authorities may allow exceptions to travel restrictions,"in particular if a person is traveling to participate in an international conference," a Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman told AFP at the time.

Putin last visited Geneva in June 2021 to meet with then-US President Joe Biden.

The last bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine were held in Istanbul. Moscow sees Turkey as relatively friendly, despite its membership in NATO.

Reuters news agency, citing a source in the US administration, reported on Tuesday that the meeting between Zelensky and Putin could take place in Hungary.