Trump and G7 Leaders Push for Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal

During the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Donald Trump announced a renewed U.S. effort to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, following the formal conclusion of the war with Iran. Trump claimed in separate phone calls that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were open to negotiations. He urged both parties to establish peace, stating that Russia should make a deal to end the fighting.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a face-to-face meeting with Putin in France or the United States, emphasizing that any negotiations must include European participation. However, the Kremlin denied receiving a formal invitation and characterized the proposal as performative diplomacy. Despite the diplomatic overtures, Russia launched massive missile and drone barrages against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing at least 19 people across multiple strikes.

In response, G7 leaders pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, agreeing to increase air defense deliveries and expand sanctions. Trump signaled the potential reimposition of sanctions on Russian oil now that the Strait of Hormuz is open. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy urged the European Union to fast-track Ukraine's membership and requested 6 billion euros from the European Peace Facility for critical winter defense and energy infrastructure. The EU officially opened membership accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 16, though Hungary blocked references to accelerated accession in the final summit statement.