European Leaders Express Concerns US Negotiators May Undermine Ukraine Peace Efforts
BERLIN – A confidential discussion among European leaders reveals deep skepticism about the role of two American negotiators-real estate magnate Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former President Trump’s son-in-law-in ongoing efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. Transcripts of the conversation, obtained by Der Spiegel, indicate fears that Washington’s peace initiative could ultimately betray both Kyiv and European interests.
The concerns center on a belief that Witkoff and Kushner are “playing games,” as described by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz,possibly jeopardizing Ukraine’s position in negotiations and undermining broader European security. This apprehension arises as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces “a great danger” related to Russian demands for territorial concessions, considered a especially sensitive point in current discussions.
The anxieties surfaced following weekend talks in Miami between ukrainian security advisor Rustem Umerov and Trump’s negotiators. Several European leaders, including Scholz, expressed the need to “protect Volodymyr,” referencing Zelensky, from what they perceive as untrustworthy actors.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb reportedly urged colleagues, “We shouldn’t leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys,” a sentiment echoed by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who stated, “I agree with Alexander, we must protect Volodymyr.”
While European nations publicly support the new US peace initiative, the leaked transcript demonstrates a private consensus of distrust toward the american emissaries. Friedrich Merz, a prominent German politician, advised Zelensky to be “extremely careful in the coming days.” The situation is further complex by recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described recent conversations as “useful” but rejected certain proposals. The implications of these diverging viewpoints could significantly impact the trajectory of peace negotiations and the future of the conflict.
