By Elsie Kamsiyochi
U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine during a series of meetings at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, but offered few details on whether Washington is prepared to increase pressure on Moscow to bring about an end to the conflict.
The summit brought together leaders from the world’s leading industrialized democracies at a time of heightened global tensions, with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East dominating discussions. Trump arrived at the gathering fresh from announcing a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, while also facing growing calls from European allies to take a tougher stance toward Russia.
Following talks with Ukrainian President , Trump described their meeting as “very good” and reiterated his belief that the war should come to an end. Speaking to reporters, he said he would do whatever he could to help facilitate peace negotiations, emphasizing the heavy human cost of the conflict and the continued loss of life on both sides.
European leaders and Zelenskiy used the summit to argue that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield has improved in recent months and that now is the time for allies to strengthen support for Kyiv. They hope increased military and economic backing will provide Ukraine with greater leverage in any future peace negotiations with Russia.
According to European diplomats, Zelenskiy sought to underscore the ongoing human suffering caused by the war by showing Trump images of damage caused by a recent Russian strike on Kyiv’s historic Pechersk Lavra monastery. Diplomats familiar with the discussion said Trump reacted negatively to the attack, while others described the presentation as an effective way of highlighting the realities of the conflict.
During separate discussions, Zelenskiy stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems remains one of his highest priorities. He also said leaders discussed the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia as a means of encouraging Moscow to engage more seriously in negotiations.
Diplomats attending the summit described the atmosphere of the Ukraine discussions as constructive and more aligned than in previous meetings. Several European officials argued that Russia’s military momentum has slowed and that Ukraine has achieved important gains through increasingly effective drone operations deep inside Russian territory.
Despite the positive tone, uncertainty remains over whether the United States is prepared to adopt tougher economic measures against Russia. European leaders have been pressing Washington to expand sanctions and increase pressure on the Kremlin, but diplomats said Trump remained noncommittal on the issue during private discussions.
Trump did indicate that the United States could allow certain waivers related to Russian oil to expire, particularly after markets appeared calmer following the announcement of the preliminary Iran agreement. However, he stopped short of committing to broader sanctions that European governments have advocated.
European Commission President argued that the current moment presents an opportunity to intensify support for Ukraine. She stated that signs of strain are increasingly visible within Russia and that allies should capitalize on Ukraine’s improving position by providing additional assistance.
French officials also indicated that G7 leaders broadly agreed that battlefield conditions have shifted in Ukraine’s favor and that more air defense capabilities would be provided to help protect Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.
Beyond Ukraine, leaders devoted significant attention to developments in the Middle East, particularly the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement. European governments welcomed efforts to reduce tensions but expressed concern that a temporary arrangement could leave major issues unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile program.
French President emphasized the need for a comprehensive and durable agreement, warning that any final deal must address long-term security concerns rather than simply pause the crisis.
Another major focus of the summit was the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. Leaders discussed plans to ensure the safe reopening of the waterway after months of disruption linked to regional conflict. Trump expressed confidence that shipping traffic through the strait would resume fully in the coming days.
The preliminary agreement with Iran is expected to open a 60-day period of intensive negotiations covering key issues such as Tehran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and the future of international sanctions. However, several European governments remain concerned that the next phase of negotiations could prove difficult and may not adequately address Iran’s missile capabilities.
As the G7 summit continues, leaders are attempting to balance two of the world’s most pressing security challenges: ending the war in Ukraine and preventing a renewed nuclear crisis involving Iran.
While Trump’s calls for peace have been welcomed, many allies are still waiting to see whether the United States will back those words with stronger diplomatic and economic measures aimed at changing the calculations of both Moscow and Tehran.
Source Reuters
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