A leaked transcript of a phone call among several European leaders has raised questions about whether the United States may support a peace framework that Ukraine views as unfavorable.
The call, published Thursday by the German magazine Der Spiegel, included remarks suggesting apprehension that Washington could proceed with territorial concessions to Russia without providing security assurances to Kyiv.
UKRAINE: Leaked call shows EU leaders fighting to block Trump’s peace talks. Merz, Macron, Stubb, and Rutte all pressured Zelensky to avoid any US brokered deal. Europe is 100% against peace because they want the war to drag on.
— @amuse (@amuse) December 4, 2025
Der Spiegel obtained notes from a confidential… pic.twitter.com/PzADrFQXNj
According to the transcript, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly said, “There is a possibility that the United States will abandon Ukraine on territorial questions without providing clarity on security guarantees.”
He also described “a great danger” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Macron’s office later said, “The president did not use those words,” but did not dispute the substance of the conversation.
European leaders on the line included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Zelensky.
The group was recorded discussing concerns that Ukraine could be left at a disadvantage in potential negotiations.
Merz appeared to share Macron’s view, stating that Zelensky should be “extremely careful in the coming days” and adding, “They are playing games with you and with us.”
Stubb followed by saying, “We must not leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these people,” prompting agreement from Rutte, who said, “I agree with Alexander. We must protect Volodymyr.”
Politico reported that Stubb’s reference to “these people” appeared directed at Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who recently traveled to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two have been involved in promoting the Trump administration’s peace proposal, described in media accounts as a 28-point plan, with some reports indicating a revised version containing 19 points.
NATO declined to comment when asked by Politico about the statements attributed to Rutte in the leaked transcript.
Der Spiegel noted in its report that the remarks reflected “the Europeans’ deep distrust of the two Trump confidants.”
Michael Weiss, one of the publication’s co-authors, characterized the discussions as focused on countering “American dirty tricks to the end war.”
The leaders also discussed the issue of frozen Russian assets held in European banks.
According to Der Spiegel, they agreed that decisions regarding those funds should remain under European authority amid reports that the United States may consider returning the assets to Moscow as part of a broader settlement.
New at @derspiegel: We obtained the transcript of a conference call of top European leaders and Volodymyr Zelensky, warning of American dirty tricks to the end war.
— Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) December 4, 2025
Emmanuel Macron said there's a chance the U.S. will "betray" Ukraine on territory.
Friedrich Merz said: "They… pic.twitter.com/BjvzKPTw52
Zelensky’s office did not confirm or deny the accuracy of the leaked transcript.
An unnamed Ukrainian diplomat told Politico, “In general, only the Russians benefit from any splits between Europe and America, so our consistent position is that transatlantic unity must be maintained.”
Ukraine has repeatedly opposed any peace arrangement that would involve territorial concessions without direct Ukrainian approval.
Zelensky has resisted proposals that would formalize Russian control over occupied regions. Moscow has insisted that any agreement recognize Russian sovereignty over the Donbass and Crimea, not merely acknowledge existing control on the ground.
European governments have similarly rejected the idea of territorial concessions as part of a negotiated settlement.
Reports of discussions involving U.S. officials and the Ukrainian leadership continue as the Trump administration signals interest in advancing a peace framework that would require engagement from both Kyiv and Moscow.
The leaked call underscored divisions between European leaders and Washington over the direction of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Further discussions among NATO members and senior officials are expected as the situation develops and negotiations continue.
