NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has emphasized the importance of the upcoming summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a critical test of Putin's willingness to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, is viewed by world leaders as a potential step toward a ceasefire agreement. However, Rutte has indicated that the summit is unlikely to produce a final agreement on Ukraine. The discussions highlight emerging divisions within NATO, particularly regarding territorial concessions to Russia. Rutte suggested that NATO may be prepared to recognize Russia's de facto control over some Ukrainian territories, marking a departure from the alliance's longstanding position that it would never accept such changes. This shift has sparked debate among European leaders, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserting that territorial issues between Russia and the U.S. should not be negotiated without the involvement of the European Union and Ukraine. The summit underscores complex geopolitical dynamics as NATO members reassess their stance amid ongoing conflict.