A Stark Warning from Macron

According to a leaked English summary of a closed-door call obtained by Der Spiegel, French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that “there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory, without clarity on security guarantees.”
He described the unfolding negotiations — particularly U.S.-led mediation efforts — as presenting “a big danger” for Ukraine’s embattled president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Europe’s Alarm: Broad Distrust Among Allies

The leak suggests the call involved several European leaders, including Friedrich Merz (Germany), Alexander Stubb (Finland), and Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General), who reportedly shared grave doubts about the U.S. role in the upcoming peace process.

Merz allegedly warned Zelenskyy that U.S. negotiators are “playing games with both you and us,” urging extreme caution in the days ahead.

Meanwhile, Stubb emphasized that Kyiv should not be left to negotiate alone with the American delegation — and Rutte reportedly echoed the call to protect Ukraine’s interests.

High Stakes: What’s at Risk for Ukraine and Europe

The concern centers on a recent U.S. peace proposal — a 28-point plan meant to end Russia’s war in Ukraine — which many European allies say was drafted without their input and reflects demands favorable to Moscow.

Under those proposals, Ukraine could be pressured into territorial concessions with weak or ambiguous security guarantees — a scenario European leaders say would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and destabilize European security at large.

As Germany’s defense minister warned, a “dictated peace” — imposed from outside rather than negotiated by Ukraine — could spell disaster not only for Kyiv but for the broader balance of security in Europe

Official Response and Uncertainty

Both the office of French President Macron and the governments of other involved leaders have avoided confirming the exact phrasing attributed to them in the leak. The Élysée has denied that Macron used the term “betrayal.”

At the same time, Der Spiegel claims several participants confirmed the call took place and that the notes reflect “accurately reproduced” statements.