European officials have grown deeply distrustful of the United States as negotiations continue over ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, driven largely by mounting skepticism toward White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are leading the talks.
According to notes reviewed by **DER SPIEGEL** from a recent confidential crisis call between European heads of state and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron warned Zelensky that “there is a chance that the U.S. will betray Ukraine on territory without clarity on security guarantees,” adding that there is “a big danger” ahead for the Ukrainian leader.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also cautioned Zelensky to be “very careful” in the coming days, telling him, “They are playing games with both you and us,” in an apparent reference to Witkoff and Kushner. Even Finnish President Alexander Stubb — traditionally a close Trump ally — voiced disappointment with the current negotiations, saying, “We mustn’t leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these guys,” again pointing to concerns over the two U.S. envoys.
