European leaders warn Zelenskyy to tread carefully with Trump

German publication Spiegel reported the information.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Zelenskyy should coordinate with the U.S. on issues of territorial concessions, security guarantees, and Ukraine's reconstruction, while "not going too far" and "being careful."

French President Emmanuel Macron added that Europeans must accelerate work on security guarantees and finalize their participation in a possible peacekeeping mission: "We must ensure that Ukraine is protected in the event of a peace agreement," Macron said.

Conference participants also advised Zelenskyy to ask Trump what the U.S. would do if Russia refuses to support the proposed peace plan. Meanwhile, Berlin stresses that key issues regarding territories and security guarantees remain unresolved, and any concessions require clear formal agreements.

According to Sebastian Hille, deputy spokesperson for the German government, "ending the war depends on Moscow," and there will be no peace agreement without Russia. Therefore, despite public support, Europeans are demonstrating skepticism about the results of negotiations with Trump.

• On Sunday evening, December 28, 2025, American President Donald Trump hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for 4 hours at the Mar-a-Lago residence (Florida, U.S.).