Europe Fears US Backroom Deal Could Sacrifice Ukraine in Peace Talks

A confidential call among Western leaders has revealed a severe crisis of trust. European officials expressed deep distrust of US efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The leak, reported by Der Spiegel, exposes significant fractures within the NATO alliance over Washington’s secretive diplomacy.

According to the German magazine, leaders from Germany, France, and Finland fear Washington may compromise Kyiv’s fundamental interests. This anxiety centers on back-channel talks led by US envoys with Moscow, conducted without full European consultation. The situation underscores growing transatlantic tensions over the war’s endgame.

Leaked Call Details Accusations of Potential Betrayal

The report is based on written notes from a Monday conference call. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly spoke with several European heads of state. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron were key participants.

According to Der Spiegel, Macron warned that the US might betray Ukraine on territory. He stressed a lack of clarity on future security guarantees. The French presidency told AFP the quote was inaccurate but affirmed Macron’s consistent stance.

German Chancellor Merz advised President Zelenskyy to be extremely cautious. He stated that the Americans are playing games with both you and us. The German chancellery declined to comment on the confidential discussion. Zelenskyy’s own adviser dismissed the Spiegel report as a provocation.

Broader Alarm Over Trump Envoys and a Secret US Plan

The leak highlights specific alarm over President Donald Trump’s negotiation team. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Moscow this week. Their mission has not been fully disclosed to European partners.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb voiced strong concern on the call. He stated that Europe cannot leave Ukraine alone with these guys. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need to protect President Zelenskyy. A NATO official declined to comment on the leak but reaffirmed support for US-led efforts.

The distrust stems partly from a US-drafted 28-point ceasefire plan. Washington circulated it last month without European input. Critics argue the proposal aligns too closely with Russian territorial demands. Subsequent talks in Geneva and Florida preceded the envoys’ Moscow visit.

The leaked discussion confirms a pivotal moment in the Western response to the war. European powers are now openly questioning American stewardship of the Ukraine peace talks, fearing a deal that could reward Russian aggression and undermine European security.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What was the source of the leak about the leaders’ call?

The report originated from the German news magazine Der Spiegel. It obtained written notes from the confidential video conference. AFP and other global agencies then verified and reported on the story.

Q2: Which European leaders expressed the strongest doubts?

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were prominently cited. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO’s Mark Rutte also voiced significant concerns about the US-led negotiation process.

Q3: Has the United States responded to these allegations?

As of this reporting, the White House has not issued a direct public response to the specific leak. A NATO official stated the alliance does not comment on leaks but supports efforts to end the war.

Q4: What is the main European concern regarding the US plan?

The core fear is that Washington’s 28-point proposal makes too many concessions on Ukrainian territory. Leaders worry it was drafted without their input and mirrors Moscow’s demands too closely, potentially sacrificing Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Q5: How has Ukraine reacted to this leaked report?

A senior communications adviser to President Zelenskyy dismissed it as a provocation. The Ukrainian government has not officially confirmed the details of the private conversation reported by Der Spiegel.