Trump gives Putin two weeks. What's next?
NBCMAY 28
Spat Threatens to Derail Next Round of Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
Above: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chairs Turkey-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkey on May 16, 2025. Image copyright: Arda Kucukkaya/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia expects that draft memorandums clarifying it and Ukraine's positions on a ceasefire will be exchanged during the meeting in Turkey next week. Following that, the teams can start making progress towards a negotiated settlement.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine is prepared for the next round of talks but Russia's draft memorandum needs to be provided in advance for the talks to take place. This is important so that Ukraine's delegation can be prepared and so that it has the relevant authorizations.