Concerns are rising among key European leaders about the potential for the United States to pursue negotiations with Russia over the future of Ukraine without adequately addressing Kyiv’s security needs. Leaked notes from a recent private discussion-first reported by *Der Spiegel* and shared with *Le Monde*-reveal deep anxieties about a possible shift in U.S. policy, especially given recent, and reportedly uncoordinated, diplomatic overtures [[1]]. The exchange underscores growing transatlantic tensions as potential peace talks gain momentum, even as fighting continues across Ukraine [[2]] and Russia reiterates territorial demands [[3]].
European Leaders Express Concerns U.S. May Abandon Ukraine in Negotiations
Concerns are mounting among European leaders that the United States may be prepared to negotiate with Russia regarding Ukraine’s future without fully safeguarding Kyiv’s security interests. The anxieties surfaced during a private discussion revealed in reports by Der Spiegel, a German news magazine, and subsequently shared with Le Monde. This development underscores growing distrust in transatlantic cooperation as potential peace talks loom.
During the conversation, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly stated, “I agree, Volodymyr [Zelensky] is in great danger and it is possible that the United States will betray Ukraine on territory without clear security guarantees.”
Shortly before Macron’s remarks, Friedrich Merz, a leading German politician, advised Zelenskyy to “be very careful in the coming days,” according to notes from the discussion. Merz allegedly added, “The Americans are playing us and them.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed the sentiment, expressing skepticism about the role of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who recently traveled to Moscow for negotiations. “The presence of certain leaders is necessary. We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these people,” Stubb reportedly said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also reportedly weighed in, stating, “We must protect Volodymyr.”
The Élysée Palace has not confirmed Macron’s reported comments. A source within the French presidency told Le Monde, “We have our own record of this exchange, in which this word does not appear,” without specifying which word was in question.
The source further clarified that the President’s position on ongoing negotiations between Russia and the United States remains consistent in private and public statements. “The French position is that nothing should be decided regarding Ukraine and Europe without them being fully involved in the negotiation,” the source said. “In this context, some aspects of the American proposal still need to be clarified, especially since the Americans have recently met with the Russians.”
Officials in Germany and Finland declined to comment on the confidential discussions, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The origin of the leaked notes remains unknown. Der Spiegel reported that it spoke to two participants in Monday’s phone call who confirmed the accuracy of the reported quotes, but both sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the conversation. The potential for a shift in U.S. policy could significantly impact the trajectory of the conflict and future diplomatic efforts.
