G7 unites on Ukraine support as Trump signals sanctions return, seeks Europe backing on Iran deal
At the Évian summit, G7 leaders pledged new air defence systems and stricter oil sanctions against Russia while Donald Trump pressed European allies to back the US-Iran ceasefire and help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
G7 pledges new aid for Ukraine
G7 leaders, meeting in Évian-les-Bains, France, issued a joint statement on June 17 reaffirming their "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." The group agreed to increase supplies of additional air defence capabilities, systems, interceptors, and long-range weaponry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attending as a guest, and allied leaders made the case that recent military successes mean Russia can no longer dictate terms for peace negotiations.
Russia must make a deal.
US signals sanctions return, seeks European help on Iran
Behind the unity, an informal bargain took shape. According to diplomats cited by Politico, Trump pressed European partners to back the planned US-Iran ceasefire deal and contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz, including potential mine-clearing missions. In return, Washington signalled it would re-impose previously waived sanctions on Russia and harden its stance. French President Emmanuel Macron extended a charm offensive, inviting Trump to dinner at Versailles; the US president accepted. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the discussions as giving reason for "a certain optimism," while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced frustration over the war's economic knock-on effects.
The discussions with Trump give cause for a certain optimism.
Iran war's economic shadow
The G7 gathering was overshadowed by the economic damage from the US-Iran war that erupted in late February. Oil prices have jumped 30%, fuelling inflation and prompting the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan to raise interest rates in the past week, Reuters reported. Leaders acknowledged the strain, Starmer said he was "fed up" with energy bills, and Meloni warned of social consequences, but steered clear of directly blaming Trump, whose cooperation they need on Ukraine and NATO.
- Trump turns 80; holds phone calls with Putin and Zelensky. Over the weekend, US and Iran announce ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz reopening.
- G7 summit opens in Évian-les-Bains; Ukraine support and Iran deal dominate first day.
- G7 leaders issue joint statement on air defence systems, long-range weapons, and oil sanctions against Russia.
Trump's phone diplomacy
Days before the summit, on his 80th birthday, Trump held phone calls with both warring parties: nearly an hour with Russian President Vladimir Putin and about half an hour with Zelensky. The talks, reported by Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat, included birthday pleasantries but also the war in Ukraine. Trump and Putin agreed that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Moscow soon. By the summit's conclusion, Trump described his meetings with Zelensky and other G7 chiefs as "very good," and Zelensky said another meeting was possible.
