Trump Shows Thaw at G7 Summit: US Stance on Ukraine Shifts
EU and G7 leaders on Wednesday committed to supporting Ukraine and imposing new sanctions on Russia, with US President Trump saying at the summit 'I'm in charge.'
The remarks came during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, held June 15-17, following a joint statement that could further strengthen Ukraine's hand in potential peace talks with Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his allies aimed to convince Trump that Ukraine's counteroffensive is gaining ground and that Russia is unable to dictate terms in any peace agreement.
The joint statement and leaders' comments show Trump, after years of skepticism, increasingly endorsing Zelenskyy's arguments. French President Macron said it reflected a 'real shift in attitude' by the US on Ukraine, calling the summit 'a success.' In contrast, last year's G7 in Canada failed to achieve a unified position on Ukraine.
Italian PM Meloni said leaders 'found common ground' with Trump, 'which is not always a given.' Canadian PM Carney praised the US and Trump for the 'change in stance.'
Last year, Trump left the G7 early due to Middle East tensions, but this time he attended fully and was due later to head to the Palace of Versailles for dinner. Leaders were visibly relieved that the summit produced joint statements on Ukraine, AI, critical minerals, and other issues.
However, any prospect of compelling Moscow to engage in peace talks still depends on Trump's commitments, which can be unpredictable.
'I'm in charge,' Trump told leaders and reporters as he took his seat at the global economic security meeting.
Trump's Iran Deal Sets Tone for Talks
G7 leaders also welcomed the initial peace agreement between the US and Iran and expressed willingness to help implement it, but Trump made no specific commitments on the role others could play.
European allies fear that the inexperienced US negotiating team may fail to secure a robust nuclear deal in the next phase and struggle to address Iran's ballistic missile program, leading to prolonged standoffs.
Meanwhile, Trump stressed that the memorandum of understanding with Iran is not final and that the US could resume bombing if commitments are not fulfilled.
'If I don't like it, if they're not honest, we'll immediately resume bombing and drop bombs right on top of their heads,' he said.
Despite public support from European allies for the preliminary deal, diplomats warn that reaching a lasting agreement on Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for proxy forces in the Middle East will be no easy task.
