European leaders are secretly advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be cautious about the United States’ efforts to reach a peace deal with Russia.
The key warning is: don’t give in to Russian demands without firm and clearly defined security guarantees from Washington, writes The Wall Street Journal.
This message, according to the newspaper, reflects the growing wariness among European leaders about the negotiations that Washington is leading by them, leaving them on the sidelines.
According to two European diplomats familiar with the situation, Zelensky was advised to insist on clearly defining America’s role in security guarantees before agreeing to any Russian terms.
The warning was conveyed during a telephone conversation involving French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They insisted that the US must play a primary role in the guarantees offered to Ukraine in any deal.
In Kiev, but also in other European capitals, there is a growing fear that Washington has not specified what it will do if Russia violates a potential peace agreement and attacks Ukraine again. The White House has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Games behind closed doors
The latest warnings are another example of Europe’s attempt to engage in peace talks that the US is conducting directly with the Kremlin and Kiev, largely without the participation of European allies. Last month, Europe and Ukraine pushed for changes to improve terms for Kiev in the US-Hungarian peace plan.
According to diplomats, Macron stressed during the conversation that Washington must send a clear message: “The US must clearly explain how it will protect Ukraine before Kiev agrees to the final terms of the agreement.” The Elysee Palace did not respond to a request for comment either.
Macron also warned of the possibility of American betrayal. “There is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine,” the French president said, adding that there is “great danger” for Zelensky. The issue of Russian demands for territorial concessions is one of the most sensitive points in the negotiations.
German Chancellor Merz told Zelenski that he must be “very careful” in the coming days. “They are playing with you and us,” said Merz, probably alluding to the two US negotiators – real estate magnate Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The search for solid guarantees
The issue of US guarantees has weighed on Western efforts throughout the year. Tensions reportedly reached a peak back in February in the Oval Office, when Zelensky’s insistence on American security guarantees angered President Trump. Ukraine has repeatedly repeated that, instead of NATO membership, it needs the protection of the USA and Europe as a deterrent against future Russian attacks.
Back in August, the White House ruled out sending ground troops, but promised communications and other support. A draft peace proposal developed by the US last month committed several European countries and the US to a “decisive coordinated military response” in the event of a new attack, Index writes.
In response to the uncertainties, Macron announced last week the establishment of a new working group, including the US, to finalize security guarantees. Senior officials from France and the United Kingdom visited the US this week for further talks.
Great Britain, France and other European countries are ready to send thousands of troops to Ukraine as part of the peace deal, but these so-called guarantee forces depend on clear American support. Russia, on the other hand, opposes the presence of any NATO troops in Ukraine.
European officials say the Pentagon has elaborate plans for potential commitments, but a key political decision in Washington has yet to be made. The Pentagon has not yet commented on this.
(Vijesti.ba)
