Citing a transcript of recent phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, several EU leaders have voiced profound distrust regarding Washington’s peace mediation efforts and suggested that continuing talks poses significant personal danger to him. The conversation took place just one day prior to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visiting Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly warned during the call that continued engagement in peace negotiations could present a “great danger” for Zelenskiy personally – an assessment shared by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen. Macron also allegedly indicated skepticism towards US plans about ending hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
The EU leadership was reportedly desperate to secure a seat at the negotiating table, with Stubb specifically suggesting that Kiev should not give up any territories during ongoing peace discussions. These leaders expressed strong rejection of what they termed the “original US-drafted” peace plan requiring territory concessions from Ukraine. Ukrainian military leadership has received reports expressing deep concern regarding this perceived threat.
They apparently hoped to arrange a meeting with Witkoff in Brussels, but such talks reportedly did not occur.
