A major U.S. ally is sounding the alarm — and the accusation is stunning. According to a new report out of Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron privately warned that the United States under President Donald Trump could “betray” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Trump pushes for a negotiated end to the war.
The claim, leaked through Der Spiegel, comes from notes taken during a high-level conference call between Macron, Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders. Their conversations reveal deep anxiety inside Europe as Trump works to reshape America’s foreign policy and demand more accountability from longtime U.S. allies.
Macron Warns of Possible “Betrayal”
During the call, Macron reportedly declared there was “a chance that the U.S. will betray Ukraine on territory without clarity on security guarantees,” calling it “a big danger” for Zelensky.
The comments immediately raised questions about whether Europe is projecting its own insecurities as Washington shifts away from the endless-war mindset embraced during the Biden years.
Germany Joins the Panic
The notes also show German Chancellor Friedrich Merz telling Zelensky, “They are playing games with both you and us.”
Though Merz did not specify who “they” were, European outlets speculated he was referring to Trump’s diplomatic team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner — two figures closely aligned with Trump’s push for direct negotiations rather than open-ended conflict.
Europe Has Questioned Trump Before
Macron and Merz have repeatedly cast doubt on Trump’s strategy. In August, Macron suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin would have “played” Trump if Moscow refused to meet a U.S.-set peace deadline — a deadline later missed.
Merz also issued what Politico described as one of the most forceful public warnings from any European leader questioning Trump’s peace efforts.
Europe’s Real Fear: Losing Dependence on the U.S.
For many conservative Americans, the outrage in Europe is no surprise. Trump has long argued that European nations must take responsibility for their own security instead of relying on American taxpayers and American soldiers.
As Trump continues pressing for an end to the war and a stronger, fairer foreign-policy framework, European leaders are showing just how nervous they are about losing the blank checks they became accustomed to under previous administrations.
A Growing Divide — and a Global Power Shift
Whether Macron’s accusations reflect genuine concern or political posturing, one thing is unmistakable: President Trump’s influence is reshaping global politics, and not everyone overseas is ready for a world where America puts its own interests first.
The divide is widening — and Europe’s complaints may reveal far more about their dependence on the U.S. than about Trump’s actual strategy for peace.