French President Emmanuel Macron has moved to publicly quash suggestions of a rift between Europe and the United States over Ukraine, following a damaging report alleging he privately warned of a potential American betrayal.
Public Denial Amidst Private Leak
Speaking to reporters during a visit to China, Macron stated there was "no mistrust" between the transatlantic allies. This declaration came just a day after German magazine Der Spiegel published what it claimed was a leaked summary of a confidential call between European leaders.
The alleged transcript quoted Macron warning Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that "there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory, without clarity on security guarantees." The French leader was also reported to have described the current phase of negotiations as harbouring "a big danger" for Kyiv.
When directly questioned about the report, Macron responded bluntly: "I deny everything." He emphasised the critical importance of unity, stating, "Unity between Americans and Europeans on the Ukrainian issue is essential. And I say it again and again, we need to work together."
EU Funding Crisis and Diplomatic Moves
The controversy erupted as European leaders raced to salvage a crucial financing plan for Ukraine, whose state coffers are running dangerously low. The EU has pledged support and aims to raise €90 billion (£80bn) to cover a significant portion of Ukraine's needs for 2026 and 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed using frozen Russian assets as collateral for a loan to Kyiv. However, this plan faces opposition from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, whose country holds many of the assets. De Wever argued that confiscating a country's frozen assets had "never been done," not even against Germany after the Second World War.
Meanwhile, the reported leak risked angering former US President Donald Trump, whose envoys have been actively involved in shuttle diplomacy. According to Der Spiegel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Zelenskyy during the same call, "They are playing games with both you and us," a remark believed to refer to a mission to Moscow by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The Stakes for European Independence
The unfolding situation highlights the fragile state of Western support for Ukraine as the war grinds on. In an opinion piece, Chancellor Merz told fellow EU leaders that the decisions made in the coming days would "decide the question of European independence."
As Macron seeks to project a united front, the underlying tensions over funding, diplomatic strategy, and reliance on US leadership present a formidable challenge. The urgency is underscored by continued fighting on the ground, with Russian strikes killing civilians and Ukrainian forces targeting Russian infrastructure.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether European unity can be maintained and the necessary financial lifeline for Ukraine secured.
