Germany and France Warn U.S. Over Ukraine Peace Push — Spiegel Reports | Latest 4 Dec 2025 News

German and French Leaders Voice Deep Concerns Over U.S. Push for Ukraine Peace: Spiegel Report

German and French leaders have expressed serious concerns over the United States’ growing pressure to advance a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. According to a fresh report published by Der Spiegel on 4 December 2025, both European nations fear that Washington may be pursuing a deal that could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity and overlook key European security interests.

The report indicates that French President Emmanuel Macron, during a private conversation, warned that without clear security guarantees and a transparent stance on territorial issues, the United States could “betray Ukraine.” He stressed that no peace framework should be accepted unless it ensures Ukraine’s long-term security and prevents future Russian aggression.

At the same time, German political leader Friedrich Merz advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to remain cautious, suggesting that U.S. negotiators may take steps that appear peaceful on the surface but lack comprehensive protections for both Ukraine and Europe. This warning has resonated strongly within EU capitals, where apprehension has risen due to reports of the U.S. conducting direct negotiations with Russia without fully consulting European allies.

European leaders fear that Washington might agree to a “temporary settlement” involving disputed territories such as Donbas or Crimea—an agreement that could weaken Ukraine’s official position. Analysts argue that such a compromise would not only harm Ukraine but also threaten Europe’s broader security architecture.

France and Germany have jointly emphasized that any peace framework must include full European participation and secure Ukrainian approval. Within the EU, discussions are intensifying about whether Europe must build an independent foreign and defense strategy to avoid relying solely on U.S. geopolitical decisions.

Ukraine remains under immense pressure as it faces both the ongoing war and the political tug-of-war among major global powers. President Zelenskiy has reiterated that any agreement will only be acceptable if Ukraine’s borders remain protected and Russia offers clear guarantees to prevent further aggression.

As of 4 December 2025, it is evident that Europe is not aligned with the U.S. peace initiative. If Washington continues to move forward without addressing European concerns, the situation may evolve into a major diplomatic divide between allies, potentially impacting the stability of the entire region.