Kathrine Frich
Europe’s relationship with Russia has deteriorated dramatically in recent years.
It has been eroded by the full-scale war in Ukraine and a steady rise in suspected hybrid attacks across the continent.
Diplomatic channels have thinned, coordination has grown strained, and frustration has deepened among European governments watching US–Russia talks unfold without them.
That increasingly fractious landscape formed the backdrop to the latest clash, triggered by a leaked call among EU leaders and quickly seized upon by a Kremlin representative.
Kremlin reacts to leaked remarks
Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian diplomat serving as a key negotiator in Moscow’s dialogue with the United States over potential peace terms, publicly mocked comments attributed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The remarks surfaced in a transcript published by Der Spiegel, quoting Merz as warning that the United States was:
“Playing games, both with you [Zelenskyy] and with us,” referring to Ukraine and Europe.
Posting on X, Dmitriev responded with a pointed attack.
“Chancellor Merz accuses the Americans of ‘playing games’… Dear Merz, you are not even in the game. You disqualified yourself by warmongering, peace sabotage, unrealistic proposals, Western Civilisation suicide, migration and stubborn stupidity,” he wrote.
His comments were highlighted by European Pravda, which reported that the Kremlin negotiator had been quick to weaponise the leak.
Tensions exposed in leaders’ call
The transcript, according to Der Spiegel, came from a confidential phone conversation involving EU leaders, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the discussion, the leaders of France and Germany reportedly voiced fears that the United States might “betray Ukraine and Europe” in its back-channel talks with Moscow.
Those concerns reflect long-building anxiety over Washington’s separate negotiations, which have intensified in recent weeks through the involvement of Donald Trump’s special envoy Steven Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
European officials in the call also warned Zelenskyy not to contemplate concessions to Russia unless the United States offered credible, lasting security guarantees, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
Kremlin capitalises on fractures
Dmitriev’s public outburst fits into a familiar pattern of Russian officials amplifying divisions among Western allies.
By attacking Merz and framing Europe as passive in the diplomatic process, Moscow is attempting to project itself as negotiating directly with Washington while undermining EU cohesion.
Although the White House has not commented on the leaked transcript, the dispute over Merz’s alleged phrasing shows how closely European leaders are watching for signs that the US may shift its stance.
Sources: Ukrainska Pravda, Der Spiegel, Wall Street Journal
