Abstract: This article explores the issues of existence of unrecognized states from the perspective of international law. The subject of this research is the peculiarities of the legal interaction between the unrecognized states of the post-Soviet space with de jure states. The author structures a system of approaches towards definition of the concept of “unrecognized state”, examines the problem of legality on the international arena, which is subject to globalization and modern technologies, and proposes prospects for unrecognized states using the examples of currently unrecognized states existing in the post-Soviet space. Author’s contribution into the research of this topic consists in examination of the existing collision in the international law between the people’s right to self-determination and the principle of territorial integrity, which serve as the basis for geopolitical debates. The author concludes that despite the complexity of the practice of state recognition, they are actually de facto subjects of international law.