Macron warned US may 'betray Ukraine' on territory
What's the story
French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that "there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory, without clarity on security guarantees." The warning was made during a recent call with several European leaders, according to a leaked note published by German magazine Der Spiegel. The publication claims to have obtained an English summary of the call, which allegedly contains direct quotes from European heads of government expressing skepticism about Washington's negotiation strategy.
Diplomatic tensions
Macron's warning and Merz's cautionary advice
Macron reportedly described the current phase of negotiations as a "big danger" for Zelenskyy, the summary stated. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz also advised caution, saying, "They are playing games with both you and us." This remark was interpreted by Der Spiegel as a reference to President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner's diplomatic mission to Moscow this week.
Widespread apprehension
Other European leaders express concerns over US negotiations
In addition to Macron and Merz, other European leaders also expressed their concerns. Finland's Alexander Stubb warned against leaving Ukraine alone with the US negotiators. Even NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly agreed with Stubb's sentiment about protecting Zelenskyy. However, a spokesperson for Zelenskyy's office declined to comment on these reports, as did Merz's office, while the Élysée Palace contested the quotes attributed to Macron.
Peace proposal
US proposes controversial peace plan for Ukraine
Last month, the US proposed a 28-point peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, which was criticized for being too favorable to Moscow's demands and not consulting Ukraine's European allies. Since then, US and Ukrainian negotiators have held talks in Geneva and Florida before Witkoff and Kushner's mission to Moscow. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned against an imposed peace, calling it "disastrous" for both Kyiv and Europe's security.
Financial strategy
Merz advocates for using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine
In a guest column for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Merz advocated using frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine. He stressed that Europe must take charge of its own security interests and not leave it up to non-European countries. "What we decide now will determine the future of Europe," he wrote.