G7 Leaders Show Cautious Optimism on Ukraine Peace After Trump-Zelensky Meeting

At the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a possible peace deal in Ukraine after what officials described as a “very good” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump said Russia should move toward ending the war, which has now entered its fifth year, and stressed the need to stop further loss of life on both sides.

European leaders welcomed Trump’s tone, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the discussions encouraging and saying the US president appeared more receptive to coordinated efforts to end the conflict.

Ukraine Pushes for Stronger Western Support

Zelenskiy used the summit to press for additional military and air defense support, arguing that Ukraine’s position has strengthened due to recent battlefield developments, including drone operations inside Russian territory. European officials said the G7 agreed Russia is not currently winning the war and discussed possible new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy exports, banking system, and military supply chains.

However, diplomats noted that Trump did not commit to immediate new sanctions, leaving uncertainty over the next steps in US policy toward Moscow.

Iran and Global Security Also on G7 Agenda

Alongside Ukraine, leaders also discussed tensions surrounding Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump emphasized that ongoing negotiations aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while maintaining regional stability. European leaders, however, warned that any interim agreement must avoid weakening long-term security conditions.

The summit ended with commitments to continue technical talks between G7 members and Ukraine, as well as ongoing discussions on global energy and maritime security.