Several European leaders, including Merz, Macron and others, reportedly expressed deep distrust of the United States during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the peace process. The leaked details suggest that Europe suspects the US may betray the interests of Ukraine and Europe in upcoming negotiations.
During the conversation, Macron noted that the US could intervene in territorial matters without providing security guarantees and even used the term "betrayal." Merz said the US is "playing its own games" with both Ukrainians and Europeans. Other leaders agreed on the need to protect Ukraine and President Zelensky but were unwilling to offer direct security guarantees, shifting responsibility among themselves.
This discussion took place against the backdrop of an incident in Ireland. The Journal reported that on December 1, during Zelensky's visit to Dublin, four unidentified military drones breached the no-fly zone and approached the flight path of the presidential plane. Irish security services determined that the drones were expensive and military-grade, and authorities are treating the incident as a possible hybrid attack. The operators behind the drones remain unknown.
European leaders are divided over further support for Ukraine: some countries are hesitant, with Italy and Finland explicitly stating limited ability to provide security guarantees. Negotiations over a reparations loan have reached a deadlock. Meanwhile, countries like Belgium have intensified rhetoric against Russia.
China's possible role and Macron's initiatives have also gained attention. During his visit to China, the French president called for a moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure, which Chinese leader Xi Jinping supported with calls for peace. China expressed its willingness to play a "constructive role" in resolving the crisis, but does not intend to pressure Russia, instead aiming for balance.
Turkey echoed the appeal to keep energy infrastructure out of the war and signed a new contract for Russian gas supplies, part of which will go to Europe. With these developments, questions remain as to whether European and global leaders can create a unified approach to peace in Ukraine.
