Berlin: Leading European figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have privately voiced deep concerns over the latest U.S.-backed initiative to broker a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia, according to a report by German magazine Der Spiegel. The revelations highlight growing European apprehension about a process largely steered by Washington without sufficient guarantees for Kyiv.
In a confidential phone conversation involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and several European leaders, Macron reportedly warned that any peace deal lacking clear security guarantees could leave Ukraine exposed. “There is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory without clarity on security guarantees,” he said, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity while pursuing diplomatic resolution.
German Chancellor Merz also conveyed caution, reportedly advising Zelenskiy that American negotiators might be “playing games” and stressing the need for careful deliberation before accepting any proposals from Moscow. These private warnings reflect a broader European unease with a U.S.-led approach perceived as favoring a rapid resolution over long-term security for Ukraine.
The concerns come amid renewed U.S. diplomatic efforts to advance a revised peace framework, which has prompted scrutiny in Europe. European capitals, while publicly supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, privately question whether the approach adequately addresses strategic and security risks, fearing that a hasty deal might compromise Ukraine’s position.
Tensions were heightened by the timing of the call, which coincided with U.S. envoys meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. European leaders are reportedly worried that Washington could negotiate terms without fully integrating Europe’s security concerns, potentially leaving Kyiv with an unsatisfactory settlement.
While neither the German government nor the French presidency has commented publicly on the Spiegel report, the disclosures underscore a critical juncture in Western diplomacy. European leaders are signaling that any peace agreement must prioritize clear security guarantees, respect Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, and ensure long-term stability.
Analysts suggest that without meaningful European involvement, the legitimacy and durability of any U.S.-brokered deal could be in jeopardy. As Western powers continue to balance diplomatic engagement with military support, the coming weeks may prove decisive for Ukraine’s future and the cohesion of the transatlantic alliance.