The word is out, heavy and definitive: « betrayal. » It is no longer just the observation of astute experts like Françoise Thom, Dominique Moïsi, or Pierre Servent; it is a concern now filtering up to the highest levels of state, from Emmanuel Macron addressing Volodymyr Zelensky to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose consternation is reported by Der Spiegel. But to grasp the symbolic violence of this moment, one must listen to General Michel Yakovleff.
Describing U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff forced to wait before being received at the Kremlin, he sums up the situation with this terrible phrase he places in Vladimir Putin’s mouth: « So, are you bringing me the head, the ears, and the tail? » A cruel bullfighting metaphor signifying that short of a complete killing of Ukraine and total submission, there is nothing to discuss. This intuition of a capitulation disguised as diplomacy is, alas, coldly confirmed by a reading of the official texts.
Fortunately, the American press is there to fill a huge political void across the Atlantic. But what is Congress waiting for to call time on this charade? Senators cannot claim for months that they do not see what is happening, week after week, with actors who resemble anything but servants of the rule of law. Without realizing that this dismantling of the Atlantic Alliance primarily serves the Kremlin and not “America First.”
Table of Contents
by Joël-François Dumont — Paris, December 7, 2025
Introduction: The Semantic and Strategic Rupture
The first week of December 2025 will undoubtedly remain the tipping point where American foreign policy ceased to be merely « isolationist » and became ideologically aligned with the Kremlin’s theses. As anticipated by the early analysis published by European Security,[1] two major documents—the peace plan brought to Moscow and the new National Security Strategy—reveal an unprecedented contamination of American doctrine by Russian talking points and interests.
I. The « Witkoff Plan » (December 2): A Disguised Capitulation
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow lifted the veil on the reality of the « negotiations. » Far from a classic American proposal, the text presented seems to have been dictated by the realities on the ground imposed by Russia, validating the hypothesis of a drafting influenced by Moscow’s desiderata.
- Validating Conquests: The plan de facto ratifies Russian control over nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory and demands that Kyiv formally renounce any NATO membership.[2]
- Diplomatic Choreography: Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov confirmed that a « preliminary agreement » existed even before the envoy’s arrival, suggesting the visit was merely a formality to record concessions already granted.[2][3]
II. The National Security Strategy (December 5): Russian « Soft Power »
Even more worrying than the peace plan, the doctrinal document published on December 5 (NSS 2025) marks an anthropological rupture. It is no longer a matter of Realpolitik, but a change of civilization.
- Adopting Kremlin Rhetoric: The official document uses the term « civilizational erasure » to describe the migratory threat weighing on the West.[1] This vocabulary is a direct borrowing from Russian ideologues who, for years, have described a « decadent » and submerged Europe, thus justifying the need for strong, closed regimes.[4]
- The « Trump Corollary »: The text officializes the American retreat to the Western Hemisphere and the closing of borders, marking the end of the role of « Atlas » supporting the liberal international order.[4][5]
III. The Shock of the International Press
Major global newspapers today validate the initial analysis: there is a troubling convergence between the two capitals.
- The European Shock: The Financial Times describes reading the new doctrine as a « painful reality check » for European allies, who are discovering that Washington now considers their open societies as counter-models.[5]
- The End of Shared Values: The New York Times highlights that the American administration no longer defines national security by the defense of democracy, but by the preservation of a besieged cultural identity, aligning itself with the worldview promoted by Vladimir Putin.[4]
Conclusion
The simultaneity of these two texts (the military plan and the political doctrine) confirms that we are not witnessing a simple diplomatic pause, but a fundamental revision.
By adopting the concepts of « culture war » and « zones of influence, » Washington is offering Moscow a victory more precious than any territorial gain: an ideological victory.
Joël-François Dumont
Sources:
[1] European Security. (2025-1207) — La nouvelle stratégie de sécurité nationale des États-Unis.
[2] Reuters. (2025-1205) — Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin as Ukraine peace plan details emerge.
[3] Associated Press (AP News). (2025-1206) — Kremlin says leaks about Ukraine peace talks are aimed at hindering negotiations. AP News.
[4] The New York Times. (2025-1205) — New Security Strategy Marks Sharp Break From Postwar Era.
[5] The Financial Times. (2025-1206) — Europe faces painful reality check with new US doctrine.
See Also:
- « L’ombre du Kremlin sur Washington » — (2025-1007)
- « The Kremlin’s Shadow Over Washington D.C. » — (2025-1007)
- « Der Schatten des Kremls über Washington » — (2025-1007)
- « Тінь Кремля над Вашингтоном » — (2025-1007)
Decoding: The Moment of Truth
The illusion has dissipated to leave room for a chilling reality: Washington has not only closed its umbrella, it has changed its software to adopt the adversary’s semantics. Tomorrow in London, when Ukraine’s supporters meet, the atmosphere will be heavy with this terrible realization. In the hushed corridors of diplomacy, the word « betrayal, » usually taboo among allies, will be on everyone’s lips, for it is the only word commensurate with the abandonment underway.
But the time for lamentation is over. If Europe does not want to end up as a dismembered vassal or a footnote in Russian history, its leaders must imperatively emerge from denial. They have a moral, almost sacred duty to stop administering sedatives to their public opinions and finally tell them the raw truth: we are now strategic orphans, alone facing a predatory empire. The American mask has fallen; it now remains to be seen if our elected officials will have the courage to look the Medusa in the face before she petrifies us, or if they will continue to sleepwalk toward the abyss.
