French president dismisses leaked talk of US “betrayal” as false

French President Emmanuel Macron indirectly addressed and dismissed, on December 5, the remarks reported by the German magazine Der Spiegel, which were attributed to him as expressing concern about "a risk that the United States might betray Ukraine."

Speaking to French media during a visit to China, he described these rumours as inaccurate and emphasised that unity between Americans and Europeans on the Ukrainian issue is indispensable, Caliber.Az reports.

“No mistrust; on the contrary, cooperation in the service of Ukraine, international law, and our collective security,” Macron said, adding that Europe and the US are the providers of security guarantees for Kyiv once the war ends.

The French leader stressed that Europe and the United States must act jointly.

Macron also assured that France and Europe support the “peace efforts undertaken by the United States.”

He added that Washington “needs Europeans to carry out these peace efforts,” given that the war is taking place on the European continent.

The remarks come after Der Spiegel published a transcript of a call involving EU leaders, the NATO Secretary General, and Zelenskyy, in which a US “betrayal” was allegedly discussed.

French officials clarified that Macron did not use such language.

According to the outlet, Macron is quoted as warning that “there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory without clarity on security guarantees.”

Merz reportedly told Zelenskyy to be “very careful” in the coming days and accused US envoys of “playing games, both with you and with us.”

Other participants reportedly urged collective European vigilance: Stubb is said to have warned against leaving Ukraine alone with US negotiators, while Rutte reportedly added: “We must protect Volodymyr.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada