The Group of Seven (G7) summit witnessed a renewed focus on the war in Ukraine as President Donald Trump signaled the possible reimposition of sanctions on Russian oil shipments. This move follows the easing of tensions with Iran after an agreement to end the Gulf conflict.
During the summit held in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump highlighted plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump mentioned that oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz has stabilized, making it feasible to redirect attention to Ukraine. Previously, the U.S. had temporarily lifted some sanctions on Russian oil to mitigate rising crude prices.
“Soon we’ll be able to do that because the oil is now flowing,” Trump stated in Evian.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy joined G7 leaders for discussions that lasted 75 minutes, where he emphasized Ukraine’s dedication to peace and criticized Russia’s approach. Zelenskyy reported unanimous support from G7 leaders, especially regarding Ukraine’s need for more Patriot missiles, which help defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
As U.S. aid to Ukraine has reduced under Trump’s administration, European allies, particularly France, have taken on a larger role in providing military and financial support to Kyiv. Trump described the conflict as “ridiculous” and expressed his desire to mitigate its impact.
The United Kingdom, meanwhile, announced sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport oil and gas. These measures aim to curb Russia’s ability to bypass Western sanctions.
Simultaneously, tensions surged as Russia launched drone and missile attacks on major Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties and damage to a religious site. This attack occurred shortly after Trump spoke separately with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The dialogue on Ukraine also coincided with Trump’s remarks about a ceasefire deal with Iran, expressing a willingness to present it to Congress for review. The details of the agreement remain undisclosed, with some Republican lawmakers seeking more information to ensure it deters Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Western partners are ready to act swiftly to reopen the Strait of Hormuz peacefully to stabilize oil prices, an initiative supported by both France and the U.K.
The summit hosted leaders from several guest countries, including Brazil, India, Kenya, and South Korea, for consultations on these pressing global issues.