Europe fears US betrayal in Ukraine peace talks — Spiegel
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders held a confidential meeting (Getty Images)
European leaders are expressing distrust toward the United States' peace initiatives. In particular, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believe there is a risk of betraying Ukraine and Europe, Spiegel reports.
According to the outlet, on Monday, December 1, European leaders held a confidential phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The conversation included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.
"There is a possibility that the United States may betray Ukraine on the territory issue by failing to provide clarity on security guarantees," Spiegel quoted Macron as saying, referring to an English-language transcript of the call.
At the same time, Merz allegedly told Zelenskyy that "the next few days require extreme caution."
"They are playing games with both you and us," the Chancellor added, apparently referring to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the US President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Journalists claim that even Stubb, who has a good relationship with US President Donald Trump, said Europeans "must not leave Ukraine and Zelenskyy alone" with the American negotiating duo.
"I agree with Alexander, we must protect Volodymyr," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added.
Reaction to the rumors
Spiegel reports that several participants confirmed the meeting took place. Two of them said the content of the conversation was conveyed accurately, but declined to verify specific quotes.
The Élysée Palace denies that Macron spoke about a possible betrayal.
"The President did not use such wording," the Élysée told the outlet, without clarifying what he did say.
Merz's office stated that they do not want to comment on the "circulating fragments of the conversation."
Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Ukraine told journalists that they do not comment on rumors.
Work on the peace plan
US officials continue to work on a peace plan with both Ukraine and Russia.
In particular, there have already been two meetings with Ukrainian officials — in Geneva and Miami. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, the negotiating teams have drafted 20 points of the peace plan.
The question of territory remains unresolved. The Ukrainian head of state wants to discuss it with US President Donald Trump.
