Macron Warns of US Betrayal in Ukraine Negotiations Amid European Concerns

French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly raised alarms among European leaders about the potential for the United States to abandon Ukraine regarding territorial negotiations, as conveyed by a leaked summary from a recent conference call with various government heads. The German magazine Der Spiegel has reported on this contentious conversation, highlighting the expressed hesitancy towards Washington's handling of ongoing discussions surrounding Ukraine's security and territorial integrity. During the call, which reportedly featured candid remarks from multiple leaders, Macron characterized the current phase of negotiations as fraught with significant danger for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the summary, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advised caution, suggesting that Zelenskyy should be wary of the shifting dynamics, stating, 'They are playing games with both you and us.' This comment seemingly points to a recent diplomatic mission to Moscow involving former President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Other leaders echoed this sentiment of apprehension. Finland's Alexander Stubb, who has established rapport with Trump over shared golfing experiences, warned that abandoning Ukraine and Zelenskyy would convey a dangerous message. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also aligned with Stubb's call for unwavering support, despite publicly praising Trump. The revelations from the call, confirmed by multiple attendees, come in the context of a tense moment in the international arena. Last month, Washington unveiled a 28-point proposal aimed at ceasing hostilities in Ukraine, though it received criticism for closely mirroring Russia's maximalist demands without incorporating input from European allies. This has led to increased diplomatic activity, with U.S. and Ukrainian officials engaging in negotiations in Geneva and Florida, prior to Witkoff and Kushner's extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Amid this geopolitical uncertainty, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences of an imposed peace settlement, warning that it could destabilize Europe’s security. He expressed that Germany and its European partners must sustain their support for Ukraine, asserting, 'A dictated peace would be disastrous for Europe.' Chancellor Merz, in a column for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, argued for utilizing frozen Russian state assets to bolster Ukraine, stressing that Europe's fate hangs in the balance concerning its response to these challenges. He stated, 'The question of European independence is being decided today when our security interests are under threat.' Merz underscored the necessity of Europe taking decisive actions to determine the future trajectory of the continent, rather than ceding influence to external powers over how to manage the assets of an aggressor. These discussions and strategic maneuvers highlight the critical moment for European nations as they navigate a complex landscape of international diplomacy, security, and the urgent need for unity in the face of ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2