NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that future peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine will likely have to address the fate of territories currently under Russian control. Rutte stated to ABC News that “we must acknowledge at this moment that Russia controls some Ukrainian territories.” He added that after a ceasefire, discussions will focus on regional issues and possible security guarantees for Ukraine. At the same time, Rutte emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to determine its geopolitical future. He stressed the need to distinguish between “realistic” and “legal” recognition in territorial matters, citing the West’s non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states from 1940 to 1991 as an example. A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled in Alaska to discuss a possible diplomatic resolution to the nearly three-and-a-half-year conflict.

Rutte praised Trump’s efforts, saying, “Next Friday will be important as it will test Putin’s seriousness in ending this terrible war.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the Alaska talks. He and his Western partners fear decisions might be made without Ukraine’s participation. Zelensky recently indicated he would reject any land swaps.