NATO’s Rutte Says Russia Control in Ukraine Likely Topic in Peace Talks

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and its right to determine its own future amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ahead of the planned summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Rutte described the meeting as a key test of Putin's seriousness about ending the war. He acknowledged the reality that Russia currently controls parts of Ukrainian territory and suggested that future peace agreements might reflect this "de facto" control without granting legal recognition, drawing parallels to the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States. Rutte stressed that Ukraine must be included at the negotiating table and that any peace deal should involve Ukrainian participation, despite initial concerns that President Zelensky was not invited to the upcoming talks. The NATO chief praised Trump's efforts to initiate dialogue aimed at reducing casualties and rebuilding infrastructure, while also underscoring NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily. Ukrainian President Zelensky has firmly rejected proposals involving territorial concessions and warned against decisions made without Ukraine's consent, viewing them as obstacles to peace.