Key facts
- European leaders at the G7 summit urged Donald Trump to host potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
- Trump expressed willingness to help mediate, noting the "great antipathy" between Zelenskyy and Putin.
- Macron and Zelenskyy were overheard discussing their approach to Trump at the summit.
- The G7 leaders agreed to increase sanctions on Russian energy.
- Zelenskyy met Trump and Macron for discussions on Ukraine's battlefield status and U.S. mediation.
- Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow's largest oil refinery.
European leaders at the G7 summit have encouraged Donald Trump to play a role in mediating the conflict in Ukraine, proposing that he host talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the United States. Trump expressed a willingness to assist, lamenting the significant animosity between the two leaders and stating he would do what he could to facilitate a settlement.
Zelenskyy, attending the summit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, is reportedly seeking to re-engage Trump, hoping for a more supportive U.S. stance. Macron was overheard on a hot mic admitting to difficult discussions with Trump regarding Ukraine. Trump himself claimed to have spoken with both Zelenskyy and Putin prior to the summit, stating both were open to a meeting.
The G7 leaders also committed to intensifying sanctions on Russian energy, with the European Union preparing further restrictions. Zelenskyy met with Trump and Macron for his first face-to-face discussion in four months, aiming to persuade Trump that Ukraine's position on the battlefield was strong and that the US should act as a mediator rather than a mere messenger.
European partners, including the UK, Germany, and France (the E3), are keen to be directly involved in any peace negotiations, given their substantial financial and military support for Ukraine. However, internal European discussions about appointing a lead representative faced a setback when Finnish President Alexander Stubb declined the role, suggesting France, Germany, and the UK should take the lead. Stubb believes that with Ukraine holding strong positions, it is an opportune moment for Europe to engage diplomatically with Russia.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that Ukrainian drones had targeted Moscow's largest oil refinery, framing it as a justified response to Russian strikes and a means to pressure Russia to end the war. Macron emphasized that any negotiation should include Ukraine, Russia, and both European and American representation.