US envoys are “playing a game” with Ukraine, Merz and Macron warn – Spiegel

European leaders privately warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Washington could push for outcomes harmful to Kyiv during ongoing peace talks, German news outlet Spiegel reported after reviewing what it says is a transcript of a 1 December conference call. The call followed a meeting between US and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida.

Peace efforts led by the US have dragged on for months, with multiple rounds of talks failing to produce any clear progress. Proposals have shifted from week to week, creating mixed signals for Kyiv and Europe. Washington’s changing positions have added to the confusion, leaving allies unsure about what a workable path forward might look like.

Merz: US negotiators "playing a game" with Europe and Ukraine

According to German news outlet Spiegel, French President Emmanuel Macron told Zelenskyy there was a chance the United States might support territorial concessions without offering clear security guarantees. 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly urged Zelenskyy to be “extremely careful” in the coming days, saying the US negotiators - including special envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner - were “playing a game” with both Europe and Ukraine.

NATO chief: Europe must "protect" Zelenskyy

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, one of the few European leaders with strong ties to Trump, also cautioned against leaving Ukraine alone in talks with the American envoys. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed that view, saying European countries needed to “protect” Zelenskyy in the process.

Several officials confirmed to Spiegel that the call took place and that the summary was accurate, though they declined to verify direct quotes because of confidentiality rules.

Macron’s office denied that he warned Zelenskyy about a possible US “betrayal,” but did not clarify what he said during the call.