According to the Spiegel leak, Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned Ukraine to be wary of a US-brokered peace deal, warning that territory might be ceded without clear security guarantees. “There is a chance that the US will betray Ukraine on territory without clarity on security guarantees,” the report quoted Macron as saying.

However, when confronted with the leak on 5 December 2025, Macron told reporters during a visit to China: “I deny everything.” He insisted that there is “no mistrust” between Europe and the US over Ukraine. “Unity between Americans and Europeans on the Ukrainian issue is essential,” he declared. “We need the United States for peace. The United States need us for this peace to be lasting and robust,” reports the Guardian.

Macron’s remarks came as European capitals and Washington face pressure over ongoing peace negotiations. The leak had sparked concern in Kyiv and across Europe that US-led talks might undercut European influence and risk Ukraine’s territorial integrity revealed by the Business Standard publication.

In reaffirming support for transatlantic coordination, Macron appears to be seeking to calm fears and reassert a united Western front. He emphasized that achieving a sustainable peace in Ukraine depends on close cooperation between Europe and the US, not suspicion or unilateral deals.