Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated his intention to focus on settling the Russia-Ukraine war after concluding work on the Iran crisis.
- European allies are concerned that Trump may attempt to control peace talks, potentially undermining their strategy of maximal pressure on Russia.
- Trump spoke with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing optimism about reaching a peace deal.
- European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine financially and through EU membership negotiations.
- Negotiators appointed by Trump are expected to visit Moscow soon.
U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his focus to the Russia-Ukraine war, sparking concern among European allies gathered at the G7 summit in France. Trump, who previously vowed to end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office, expressed his intention to address the war now that the Iran crisis is managed.
Behind the scenes, European officials fear that Trump may seek to control the peace talks, potentially sidelining their strategy of exerting maximal pressure on Russia and fully supporting Ukraine. An EU diplomat noted that Trump's previous distraction with other crises was not necessarily detrimental to their approach.
During a working session at the summit, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy stated that he and Trump had "good ideas that could help bring peace closer," while a Trump administration official described the president as having a "humanitarian heart" and remaining optimistic about a peace deal.
However, Trump's assertion that he can "do something" after speaking separately with both Putin and Zelenskyy has worried European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Europeans, who are now funding much of Ukraine's weaponry, should have a say in negotiations, advocating for Ukraine and Russia to be at the table with European and American support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the bloc's "unwavering support" for Ukraine, noting that the EU's €90 billion in aid covers two-thirds of Kyiv's financial needs for the current and next year. She announced an additional €75 million in grants and a €15 billion loan to France to bolster its defense industry. Von der Leyen also touted the opening of formal EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Adding to European concerns, Putin's aide Yury Ushakov announced that Trump's appointed negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are scheduled to travel to Moscow soon. The EU, meanwhile, is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its oil tanker fleet and maintaining a price cap on Russian oil.