Leaked transcript reveals EU fears U.S. may betray Ukraine in peace talks

According to the outlet, European heads of state and government expressed deep mistrust toward Washington’s role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Spiegel published what it claims is a transcript of the call — involving German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, several other European leaders, and Zelenskyy — in which the Americans were portrayed as unreliable.

“There is a possibility that the United States will betray Ukraine on the issue of territory without clearly defining security guarantees,” Spiegel quoted Macron as saying during the Dec. 1 call.

He warned that Zelenskyy faces “a great danger,” as Russia’s demands for territorial concessions remain among the most sensitive points in the negotiations.

Merz reportedly urged Zelenskyy to be “extremely careful in the coming days.”

“They are playing games with you and with us,” the chancellor said, apparently referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son‑in‑law Jared Kushner.

Spiegel said these and other remarks illustrate “deep European mistrust” toward Trump’s two confidants.

“While European leaders publicly praise Washington’s new initiative, the document shows that Merz, Macron, and the others do not trust the two American negotiators,” the report said.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb — one of the few EU leaders reportedly on good terms with Trump — also warned Zelenskyy about Witkoff and Kushner.

“We must not leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys,” he said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, whom Trump reportedly also favors, backed Stubb’s concerns.

“I agree with Alexander: we must protect Volodymyr,” Rutte said.

Asked to comment on Spiegel’s transcript, the Office of the President of Ukraine said it “does not comment on disinformation.”

In addition to Macron, Merz, Rutte, and Stubb, the confidential call included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.

Publicly, Macron has spoken of U.S. officials in far more positive terms, repeatedly calling the United States a “very important and positive” force in pursuing peace in Ukraine.

“We have American mediation, and this is very good. Now it will apply pressure on Russia,” he said.

According to Spiegel, the participants hoped to meet with Witkoff and Kushner on Wednesday. Merz suggested asking Trump to send Witkoff to Brussels. The leaders also discussed whether heads of state should attend and whether the meeting should take place at NATO headquarters or EU institutions. Italy’s prime minister reportedly opposed the format, while Finland’s president supported it.

“We’ve been sidelined, but we need to get back into the process,” Stubb said.