Makes remarks after G7 talks with Zelenskyy
EVIAN-LES-BAINS: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Russia should make a peace deal with Ukraine, adding that he would do what he could to end the war after a “very good” meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Group of Seven leaders at a summit in France.
Trump arrived at the June 15-17 G7 summit in the lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains brandishing a preliminary deal to end the conflict with Iran and with a renewed focus on finishing the war in Ukraine.
Trump cheered his meeting with Zelenskyy and other G7 presidents at a closed-door session on Tuesday, adding that he would meet bilaterally with the Ukrainian leader later.
“I’m gonna do whatever I can,” Trump said, adding that Russia should strike a deal.
Zelenskyy and European diplomats hope to impress upon Trump that Ukraine’s fortunes have improved as Kyiv pushes for more support to strengthen its hand in eventual peace talks with Moscow.
Europe and Ukraine seek to change Trump’s mind
“The key focus is to strengthen air defense for Ukraine and advance diplomacy, to make Russia end its war,” Zelenskyy posted on X after the meeting. “Peace is needed.”
European diplomats said the tone of the meeting had been constructive.
“We now seem to have joint analysis: that Russia is in the defensive now,” the diplomat said, adding that Trump had stayed until the end of the session.
European diplomats hope to convince Trump that previous US positions on possible terms of a deal were overly favourable towards Moscow, particularly now that Ukraine’s drone incursions into Russia have improved its fortunes.
“The tide is turning for Ukraine. The situation in 2026 is very different from 2025. Ukraine is bravely holding the frontline,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. “Russia’s fatigue is openly showing. That’s the time to double down on our support.”
Zelenskyy is pushing for renewed momentum and a greater European role. He said on Monday he had offered to meet Putin at the G7 summit. Putin has repeatedly dismissed the idea of direct talks with Zelenskyy unless they are held in Moscow.
European leaders were also set to warn Trump that a superficial interim deal with Iran risks entrenching Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. French President Emmanuel Macron said the priority was to ensure there is a “solid, serious agreement that is finalised”.
He said Tuesday’s working lunch would focus on the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, including a possible Franco-British-led maritime mission.
Reuters