European leaders fear US will 'betray' Ukraine, leaked call reveals

European officials have reportedly voiced apprehension that the Trump administration could exploit peace negotiations to undermine Ukraine as it attempts to conclude its nearly four-year conflict with Russia. A leaked transcript of a Monday conference call, obtained by the German outlet Spiegel, shows that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed worries about U.S.-led diplomatic efforts.

There is a risk that the U.S. could compromise Ukraine regarding territorial matters without ensuring security guarantees, Macron reportedly said, according to the transcript. The French president also warned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces serious danger.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, known for his close ties with Trump, echoed these concerns, cautioning Zelensky against placing too much trust in the White House during the peace discussions. We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these actors, Stubb emphasized during the call.

Rutte added his support, stating, I agree with Alexander; we must safeguard Volodymyr, as noted in the transcript. Other leaders on the call reportedly included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antnio Costa.

While most participants declined to comment, Macrons office asserted that the French president did not express himself in those terms.

The concerns arise amid the Trump administrations 28-point peace plan, which suggests Ukraine cede some territory to Russia and abandon potential NATO membershipa proposal critics argue favors Moscow. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner have recently met with Eastern European leaders to advance these talks.

During the call, Merz warned Zelensky to proceed with caution. They are manipulating both you and us, the German chancellor said, likely referencing Witkoff and Kushner. Meanwhile, Trumps negotiators held a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has continued military strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. A recent Kremlin drone attack killed at least three people and injured dozens more.

Despite these challenges, Zelensky reaffirmed his commitment to diplomacy. Dialogue based on the Geneva points will continue. Diplomacy remains active, he wrote on social media following the attack.

European leaders, however, remain determined to maintain influence through control of frozen Russian assets. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Merz emphasized that decisions regarding these resources would remain within European jurisdiction. He added at a press conference, No decision on Ukraine and Europe without Ukrainians and Europeans, no imposed peace over Ukraine, and no weakening or division of the EU and NATO.

Analysis: European Leaders Cautious on U.S. Peace Initiative in Ukraine

European officials are signaling deep skepticism over the Trump administration's approach to peace negotiations in Ukraine. The leaked conference call transcript reveals a shared concern among leaders, including Macron, Rutte, and Merz, that U.S.-led diplomacy could pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions without sufficient security guarantees.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted the personal risk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and stressed the need for European support during negotiations. German Chancellor Merz warned that U.S. envoys may be manipulating both European partners and Ukraine, indicating a lack of trust in the American process. These remarks suggest a united European front aiming to safeguard Ukraine’s interests.

The concerns arise amid a 28-point U.S. peace plan advocating territorial concessions and abandoning potential NATO membership—proposals critics say benefit Moscow. Despite ongoing attacks in Ukraine, Zelensky has reaffirmed his commitment to diplomacy, while European leaders assert control over decisions regarding Russian assets and caution against imposed solutions that exclude Ukrainian or European input.

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• Leaked call shows European leaders fear US will ‘betray’ Ukraine