France’s Macron Alerted Other Leaders to Possible Trump Betrayal

French President Emmanuel Macron alerted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other European officials during a phone call that former U.S. President Donald Trump might act against Ukraine's interests. A transcript of the discussion, intended to coordinate support for Ukraine, was obtained by the German publication Der Spiegel and released on Thursday.

The call included Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and several other European leaders. They discussed ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Macron warned, There is a risk that the U.S. could betray Ukraine regarding territorial issues without clear security guarantees, highlighting a significant threat to Zelenskiy. Chancellor Merz voiced similar concerns, noting that Trumps appointed negotiators, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are manipulating both Ukraine and European allies.

While European leaders have long voiced unease about U.S. Ukraine policy, the transcript offers a detailed view of their doubts about the Trump administration's intentions. Finnish President Stubb, who has maintained a cordial public relationship with Trump, stated, We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr to deal with these negotiators alone, referring to Witkoff and Kushner. Rutte agreed, emphasizing the need to safeguard Zelenskiy.

Recently, the Trump administration proposed a 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict, widely criticized as heavily favoring Russia. The plan suggested Ukraine cede significant territory, forgo NATO membership, and limit its military. Following feedback from Ukraine, a revised 19-point plan was issued, but Russia has not accepted it. European leaders remain apprehensive that Trump might prioritize Russias interests over Ukraines, and historical precedent adds to their concerns.

Author: Gavin Porter