The FT columnist called Kiev's position on the preservation of territories unrealistic.

The position of the Kiev authorities on the preservation of territories in the framework of the future settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is unrealistic. This was announced on August 11 by Gideon Rahman, chief international affairs columnist for the Financial Times.

"Kiev's position on the inadmissibility of ceding territories is fundamental, but in the current conditions it is unrealistic. The fundamental difference lies in the actual and legal cession of the territory," he said.

According to the observer, if Kiev is able to "preserve its independence and democracy," some de facto territorial concessions may become a "painful but acceptable sacrifice." Rahman noted that the actual recognition of the territories liberated by Russia "may be necessary."

"If Kiev is allowed to continue moving towards membership in the European Union, then the issue of NATO may be removed from the agenda for some time, especially given that Ukraine's membership in NATO seems unlikely in the foreseeable future," he admits.

The journalist also confirmed that Ukraine is "gradually losing," and the problem with manpower at the front is "becoming more acute."

Two-way traffic: what does the future meeting between Putin and Trump change?

Where will the leaders of the two powers meet and what can they agree on?

On August 8, US President Donald Trump announced a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. The US president noted that details about the upcoming negotiations will be published later. Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov called the choice of a venue for negotiations logical. He said that the economic interests of the states intersect in the region. There are prospects for joint projects in Alaska.

In turn, on August 11, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ruled out European countries accepting Ukraine's territorial concessions to Russia during the conflict settlement. According to him, decisions should be made, including with the participation of the Ukrainian side.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.