Zelensky in danger. It's a great game of superpowers, and European leaders don't trust the US

European leaders believe that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in a dangerous position and do not trust American negotiators, wrote the German “Der Spiegel” on Thursday, which reviewed the contents of the confidential teleconference.

“Der Spiegel” obtained access to the English-language transcript of a confidential teleconference between top European politicians and Zelensky that took place on Monday. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Donald Tusk, participated in it.

According to the weekly's report, French President Emmanuel Macron allegedly said that “there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine regarding territories without giving it clarity on security guarantees.” Macron also warned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in “serious danger.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly warned Zelensky to be “very careful” in the coming days. – They are playing games with you and us – he added. In Spiegel's assessment, he had in mind Donald Trump's advisers, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, who maintains good relations with Trump, also allegedly warned negotiators against this duo. “We cannot leave Ukraine and Volodymyr alone with these people,” he said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, also favored by Trump, agreed with him. “I agree with Alexander, we must protect Volodymyr,” he emphasized.

Stubb and Rutte declined to comment on Spiegel's questions. Zelensky's spokesman and the chancellor's office did the same.

The Élysée Palace, however, denied that Macron was talking about possible betrayal by the Americans. “The president did not express himself this way,” the French side said. However, it was not disclosed how Macron formulated his words, citing the confidentiality of the conversations.

Two anonymous interlocutors told Spiegel that the content of the teleconference was reproduced correctly, but did not want to confirm individual quotes.

Der Spiegel drew the following conclusion from the transcript of the conference call: “European leaders of states and governments clearly strongly distrust the United States in peace talks with Russia and Ukraine.” The weekly contrasted this with the content of their public speeches, during which they praise Washington's initiatives.

According to Spiegel's report, European leaders participating in the teleconference hoped to organize a meeting with Witkoff and Kushner on Wednesday. Merz offered to ask Trump to send Witkoff to Brussels. Witkoff returned directly from Moscow to the USA, and the meeting with the Europeans did not take place.

In addition to Tusk, Zelensky, Merz, Macron, Stubb and Rutte, the conversation was attended by: Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stoere, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

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