(C) RBC-Ukranie
Berlin, Germany—Deep suspicion and frustration are mounting among European leaders regarding the United States' handling of the Ukraine peace negotiations, with some expressing fears that Washington might "betray" Kyiv. This internal discord came to light after a private phone call among European heads of state and government, as reported by the German magazine Der Spiegel on December 4 (local time).
Macron Warns of Ukraine's 'Great Danger'
According to the report, on December 1, French President Emmanuel Macron told his European counterparts in a confidential call that there was a possibility the U.S. could "betray Ukraine on territorial issues without clear security guarantees." He added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in "great danger."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly warned Zelensky to "be extremely careful in the coming days," adding pointedly, "They are playing games with all of us." Der Spiegel interpreted "they" to refer to Steve Whitkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy leading the peace negotiations, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Other leaders echoed the sentiment. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, known to be a golf friend of Donald Trump, reportedly targeted Whitkoff and others, stating, "We must not leave Ukraine and Volodymyr with these people." Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary-General, who is famous for trying to appease Trump, agreed, "I agree with Alexander. We must protect Volodymyr."
The private conversation included the prime ministers of Poland, Italy, Denmark, and Norway, as well as the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council. While two leaders reportedly confirmed the details to Der Spiegel, the French Presidential Office has denied the quotes, and the German Chancellor’s Office declined to comment.
European Leaders 'Passed Over' in Negotiations
The European leaders’ concerns stem from feeling repeatedly "passed over" in the peace negotiations led by the Trump administration, despite pouring massive funds into supporting Ukraine. The pace of peace discussions accelerated after the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska in August, prompting European leaders to follow Zelensky en masse during his subsequent visit to the White House in an effort to assert their own positions.
The U.S. has been negotiating with Russia and Ukraine based on a revised draft resolution. This draft, reduced from 28 to about 20 articles at Ukraine’s request, reportedly includes proposals diametrically opposed to previous European demands. Specifically, the initial draft included provisions to cede all of Ukraine's Donbas region (Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts) to Russia and to unfreeze Russian assets for investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Dispute Over Frozen Russian Assets
Europe's frustration is compounded by the issue of frozen Russian assets. Under increasing fiscal strain from the four-year war, the EU has been pushing a plan to use Russian assets tied up in Europe—even if it involves risks of violating international law—to support Ukraine. However, with the U.S. demanding the unfreezing of those assets and further financial contributions from Europe for reconstruction, the feasibility of the EU's plan is now highly uncertain.
Calls for an Independent European Peace Plan
In light of being sidelined and the contentious nature of the U.S.-led plan, calls are emerging in Europe for an independent peace strategy.
Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence, argued in Politico Europe that new plans are emerging every six months, and Europe seems to be "waiting for a plan to come from Washington." He stressed, "A plan must also come from Brussels or Berlin." He suggested the goal should be to find synergy between European and American plans to achieve the best outcome.
EU officials reportedly fear that even if the current Trump peace plan fails, a new, similarly disruptive one will surface in a few months, sustaining the atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust.
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