NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that future peace talks on the war in Ukraine will likely have to focus on the fate of Ukrainian territories currently under Russian control, DPA reports, BTA reports.
"We must recognize at this point that Russia controls part of the territory of Ukraine", Rutte told the American television station ABC News yesterday.
He stressed that after reaching a ceasefire agreement, talks would focus on territorial issues and possible guarantees for Ukraine's security.
At the same time, Rutte emphasized Ukraine's sovereignty and its right to determine its own geopolitical future.
The Secretary-General made a distinction between "de facto" and "de jure" recognition in terms of territorial control. According to him, a possible agreement could recognize Russia's de facto control over certain territories without implying legal recognition. He drew a parallel with the West's position during the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states (1940-1991), when de facto control was not legally recognized.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential diplomatic solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.