European leaders express lack of trust in US over Ukraine during phone call: report

During a conference call this week, several European leaders conveyed their lack of confidence in the United States' efforts to broker an end to Russia's conflict in Ukraine, according to a report by German news weekly Der Spiegel, which obtained written notes from the discussion.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly questioned on Monday whether US negotiators would adequately protect Kyiv's interests during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other participants. The report cited Macron suggesting that "there is a risk the US could compromise Ukraine on territorial issues without clear security assurances."

An Elysee official, however, stated that this phrasing does not align with the French presidencys own records, emphasizing that Macron's public position on the negotiations remains consistent with any private remarks.

Merz reportedly cautioned Zelensky to remain vigilant in the coming days, noting that "games are being played with both you and us." The German chancellery declined to comment on specific media reports, citing the confidentiality of such discussions.

Zelensky's communications advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, also refrained from responding to the Der Spiegel report, dismissing it as provocations.

European Concerns Over US Negotiators

According to the magazine, Finlands President Alexander Stubb expressed distrust toward US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who recently visited the Kremlin. Stubb reportedly said, "We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these representatives." His office declined to comment on confidential discussions.

NATO Chief Mark Rutte emphasized during the call that efforts must focus on "protecting Volodymyr," as reflected in the notes obtained by Der Spiegel. A NATO official declined to confirm the report, highlighting their general policy of not commenting on leaks, while reaffirming support for ongoing efforts to end the conflict led by US officials.

US Proposals and Diplomatic Efforts

Last month, Washington introduced a preliminary 28-point plan to halt the war, which was developed without input from European allies and criticized for reflecting Moscows maximalist demands regarding Ukrainian territory. Subsequent diplomacy included discussions between US and Ukrainian negotiators in Geneva and Florida, followed by Witkoff and Kushner's visit to Moscow on Tuesday.

Der Spiegel noted that two unnamed participants in Mondays call confirmed the notes accurately captured the conversation, though they did not verify the quotes word for word due to confidentiality.

European Leaders Question US Diplomacy on Ukraine Conflict

The ongoing concerns within Europe regarding the United States' role in negotiating a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict were laid bare this week. According to a report by Der Spiegel, several European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed doubts about the effectiveness and reliability of US diplomatic efforts. The leaders raised questions over whether US negotiators could adequately safeguard Ukraine's interests, particularly in light of recent proposals that appeared to reflect Moscow's maximalist demands on Ukrainian territorial integrity.

Macron, in particular, warned of a potential compromise on Ukrainian territory without solid security guarantees from the US. Although a French official later disputed the specific wording of Macron’s comments, the concerns about US negotiations remain tangible. Chancellor Merz echoed similar sentiments, advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to remain cautious in the face of what he described as "games" being played by international powers.

Additionally, Finnish President Alexander Stubb voiced distrust towards US representatives like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had recently visited Moscow. Stubb’s remarks suggest unease over their role in the ongoing diplomatic efforts, with concerns that Ukraine could be left vulnerable during discussions. The European leaders' apprehension comes at a time when US officials are advancing a 28-point peace plan, which has yet to gain widespread support from European partners, particularly due to its perceived concessions to Russian demands on Ukrainian territory.

The tension between the US and Europe over the handling of the negotiations highlights deeper divisions within the Western alliance over how best to approach Russia’s aggression. As the conflict continues, the need for more cohesive and transparent diplomatic efforts has never been more urgent, with Ukraine’s sovereignty and security remaining at the forefront of international priorities.

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• European leaders in phone call voiced distrust of US over Ukraine: report