"We have to take note at this moment that Russia controls part of Ukrainian territory," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. After a ceasefire, the question will arise as to what will happen regarding territorial issues and with a view to possible security guarantees.
At the same time, the head of NATO said that Ukraine is a sovereign state that determines its own geopolitical future. In territorial matters, one must distinguish between “de facto” recognition and “de jure” recognition. A possible agreement could, for example, stipulate that Russian authorities de facto control certain areas without this being legally accepted.
As an example, Rutte referred to the West’s decades-long stance toward the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states. Zelensky: The Russians Want to Deceive the United States This Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a possible peace solution in the war against Ukraine. Rutte said the meeting could be an important step. It is a test of how serious Putin is about ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, fears that decisions could be made at the meeting about his entire country. He will not accept a territorial exchange as proposed by Trump.
“We understand the Russians’ intention to deceive the United States, and we will not allow it,” Zelensky said on Sunday. Putin wants “to manipulate everyone he comes into contact with.” “Everyone sees that Russia is not taking a single concrete step toward peace, not a single step on land or in the air that could save lives.”
At the same time, the Ukrainian president said he appreciates Trump’s determination to end the war. After several phone calls between Putin and Trump, the meeting will be the first since the U.S. president took office again in January.
