French President Emmanuel Macron has moved swiftly to quash rumors of a transatlantic rift, insisting there is “no mistrust” between Europe and Washington regarding the fragile future of Ukraine.

The diplomatic damage control comes just hours after leaked reports suggested European leaders privately fear a US “betrayal” of Kyiv—a scenario that could upend global stability and send economic shockwaves reaching as far as Nairobi.

Diplomatic Damage Control

Speaking to reporters during a state visit to China on Friday, Macron attempted to present a united front. His comments were a direct response to allegations that the European bloc is losing faith in American leadership regarding peace negotiations with Russia.

“Unity between Americans and Europeans on the Ukrainian issue is essential. And I say it again and again, we need to work together,” Macron emphasized. He added that Europe welcomes the peace efforts currently being led by the United States, noting that Washington “needs Europeans to lead these peace efforts.”

For Kenyan observers, the stability of this alliance is critical. A fractured approach to the Ukraine crisis threatens to disrupt global supply chains again, potentially impacting the cost of imported grain and fuel—commodities that directly dictate the cost of living in East Africa.

The Leak That Sparked the Fire

The controversy erupted on Thursday when the German magazine Der Spiegel cited a leaked summary of a confidential call. The participants reportedly included Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

According to the transcript, the tone behind closed doors was far grimmer than the public displays of solidarity. The report alleges that:

• Macron and Merz voiced “fundamental doubts” about current US mediation efforts.
• Macron explicitly warned Zelenskyy that “there is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory, without clarity on security guarantees.”
• European leaders are struggling to balance flattering Donald Trump publicly while managing deep strategic anxieties privately.

High Stakes in Florida

While the diplomatic storm brewed in Europe and Asia, critical talks were unfolding in the United States. On Friday evening, advisers to Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials convened for a third day of negotiations in Florida.

Sources close to the discussions indicate progress is being made on a security framework for postwar Ukraine. However, the alleged leak risks angering the former US President, whom European leaders view as the kingmaker in any potential deal with Moscow.

The situation remains fluid. While Macron publicly projects confidence, the leaked intelligence suggests a Europe deeply anxious about being sidelined in a deal that could redraw the map of the continent.