Europe’s Trust in the U.S. on Ukraine Talks Is Fading
World
European leaders are increasingly skeptical of Washington’s intentions in the ongoing peace negotiations on Ukraine. According to Der Spiegel, a confidential recording of a private discussion involving the German chancellor, the French president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and several other European leaders reveals deep concern that the U.S. may concede territory to Moscow without providing Kyiv with solid security guarantees.
The conversation, held on December 1, shows Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron warning about the risk of a “unilateral move” from Washington. Macron suggested the U.S. might even “betray Ukraine on the issue of territories.” The German chancellor urged Zelensky to be extremely cautious, noting that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are “playing games” with both Kyiv and Europe.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb also advised against placing too much trust in Witkoff and Kushner, stating that “Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelensky must not be left alone with these men.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reportedly shares the same view.
One of Europe’s biggest frustrations is Washington’s desire to decide on the fate of frozen Russian assets on its own, even though most of those funds are held in European financial institutions.
While European officials publicly praise Washington’s new initiative, the leaked recording indicates that not only Merz and Macron, but many participants of the meeting distrust American envoys. The French presidency denied the remarks attributed to Macron, and the German chancellery urged reliance on Merz’s official statements. Zelensky’s representatives declined to comment.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb also advised against placing too much trust in Witkoff and Kushner, stating that “Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelensky must not be left alone with these men.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reportedly shares the same view.
One of Europe’s biggest frustrations is Washington’s desire to decide on the fate of frozen Russian assets on its own, even though most of those funds are held in European financial institutions.
While European officials publicly praise Washington’s new initiative, the leaked recording indicates that not only Merz and Macron, but many participants of the meeting distrust American envoys. The French presidency denied the remarks attributed to Macron, and the German chancellery urged reliance on Merz’s official statements. Zelensky’s representatives declined to comment.
Powered by Froala Editor