European Leaders Express Concerns Over Potential US-Russia Talks, Ukraine‘s Security
PARIS/BERLIN/HELSINKI – A leaked conversation among european leaders reveals growing anxieties about the direction of potential negotiations between the United States and Russia, and the potential implications for Ukraine’s security. The discussion, revealed by Spiegel, took place monday and included French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
According to notes from the conversation, Macron reportedly stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “is in great danger and it is possible that the United States will betray Ukraine on a territory without clear security guarantees.” The Elysée Palace, however, disputes the direct quote, stating, “We have our own account of this exchange, in wich this word dose not appear,” while affirming Macron’s publicly stated position that no decisions concerning Ukraine should be made without full European involvement. An Elysian source specified that “certain aspects of the American proposal still need to be clarified,” particularly following recent US-Russia contact.
prior to Macron’s reported remarks, Friedrich Merz advised Zelensky “to be very careful in the coming days,” warning that the Americans are “playing games with you and us.” Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed this distrust,expressing concern over the presence of US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,dispatched to the Kremlin for negotiations earlier this week,stating,”The presence of certain leaders is necessary. We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys.”
NATO chief Mark Rutte reportedly emphasized the need to “protect Volodymyr.”
The German chancellery and the Finnish presidential office declined to comment on the “confidential discussions.” Spiegel reported that two participants in the call confirmed the accuracy of the quotes, but requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the exchange. The source of the leaked notes remains unknown.
The context of these concerns arises as Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that talks with the United states are “complex” but that engagement is necessary. These European anxieties suggest a divergence in perspectives regarding the best path forward in the ongoing conflict.
