Leak Reveals European Distrust of US Envoys in Talks on Ukraine (Video)

(LONDON) – Notes from a recent call between European leaders suggest serious concern about the United States approach to the war in Ukraine under Donald Trump. The notes, revealed in reporting by Times Radio and the German publication Der Spiegel, show European officials expressing distrust of the team sent to deal with Ukraine, including American property developer Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner.

According to the report, Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky should not be left alone with Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are said to have agreed, describing the situation as a political game that could harm both Ukraine and Europe.

Investigative journalist Michael Weiss, editor of The Insider and co author of the Der Spiegel story, said these concerns were expected. He stated that European countries fear the United States could force Ukraine into an unfavourable peace settlement with Russia without proper consultation, risking territorial concessions.

Weiss explained that a draft peace proposal originated in Moscow rather than in Washington. He said the document appeared to have been written by Russian officials and later adopted by Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner during their engagement with Russian leaders. The plan reportedly instructed the European Union to use frozen Russian assets to fund reconstruction, while preventing future NATO expansion.

European leaders were worried that such plans undermine NATO’s core decision making process, where all members must agree, and could weaken European security. Some saw the proposals as benefitting Russia’s geopolitical aims.

Weiss said the approach resembled a rushed attempt to secure a political win rather than a detailed and just resolution to the conflict. He added that Trump’s involvement appears driven by personal ambition rather than long term peace.

He also suggested Russia views this as an opportunity. He said the Russian dictatorship led by Vladimir Putin may interpret Trump’s eagerness as weakness, encouraging Russia to continue its military campaign to gain more ground in Ukraine.

European countries are now facing questions about how to respond if the United States continues to take actions without their involvement. Some analysts believe European governments may increasingly assert their independence on security matters, including support for Ukraine.

Weiss also noted inconsistency inside the US administration. While some officials work actively to support Ukraine with intelligence and defence cooperation, political-level actions and decisions raise fears of a shift in US commitments.

European leaders remain cautious as they aim to protect Ukraine and maintain stability in Europe, while navigating strained relations with Washington and ongoing threats from Russia.

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