Macron cautions that the US could potentially betray Ukraine in peace negotiations with Russia: 'They are engaging in deceitful tactics'

French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced serious concerns over the United States approach to mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that Washington might betray Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a report by a German newspaper.

Der Spiegel cited notes from a recent conference call that included Macron, Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders. Macron reportedly warned of a potential U.S. betrayal in the absence of clear security guarantees, describing it as a significant risk for Zelensky.

The same notes recorded Chancellor Merz telling Zelensky, They are playing games with both you and us. While the exact identity of they was not confirmed, Der Spiegel speculated that it might refer to former U.S. President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

This is not the first occasion on which Macron and Merz have expressed skepticism about Washingtons ability to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. In August, Macron indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin could outmaneuver President Trump if a U.S.-set deadline for negotiations was not meta deadline that was subsequently missed. Merz also made comments noted by Politico as one of the strongest public indications by a European leader questioning the effectiveness of Trumps peace efforts.

Analysis: Macron’s Concerns Over U.S. Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments about the United States' approach to peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have raised serious concerns regarding the future of international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict. In a report by German newspaper Der Spiegel, Macron suggested that Washington might betray Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the potential risk of a lack of clear security guarantees. This revelation came during a conference call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelensky, and other European leaders, where Macron expressed doubts about the reliability of U.S. mediation.

Macron's warning points to the growing unease within European leadership about Washington's role in the peace process. He described the possibility of a U.S. betrayal as a "significant risk" for Zelensky, suggesting that the Ukrainian president might not receive the necessary support to ensure the country’s security in the long term. Chancellor Merz further fueled concerns by implying that external actors, possibly linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, were undermining both Ukraine and Europe’s interests in this delicate matter.

This is not the first time Macron and Merz have openly questioned the United States' approach to the conflict. Macron, in August, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin could manipulate the peace process, especially if the U.S. failed to meet critical deadlines for negotiations—deadlines that have already passed without substantial progress. Merz, too, has been vocal about European skepticism towards Trump’s peace efforts, which have failed to show tangible results thus far.

The skepticism expressed by European leaders underscores a broader concern about the effectiveness of external actors in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. As the conflict continues, the role of the U.S. remains a key factor in shaping both Ukraine's future security and the broader geopolitical landscape. However, Macron's comments suggest that Europe's trust in Washington’s mediation is far from assured, with risks of a shift in strategy as the war drags on.

Sources:

• Macron Warns US May ‘Betray Ukraine’ in Peace Talks With Russia: ‘They Are Playing Games’