Zelensky arrives at G7, offers to meet Putin as Russian strikes kill 11 across Ukraine

Diplomatic push at the lakeside summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the G7 summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Hôtel Royal on the shores of Lake Geneva, seeking to convince US President Donald Trump that the war has swung in Ukraine's favour and requires more international support. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and held a bilateral meeting before joining other G7 leaders for a session dedicated to "building peace in Ukraine". European officials hope to shift Trump's stance, arguing that previous US positions were too favourable to Moscow, especially now that Ukraine has enhanced its operational capabilities with drone strikes deep inside Russian territory.

“We gave the message that we are ready to meet with Putin during the G7, because Trump is there and Macron is there, so the Europeans plus America. I think it's a good, a very good opportunity to meet all together.”

Russian strikes on Kyiv's monastery

At least 11 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, including damage to the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Russian foreign ministry denied responsibility, calling the accusation "raw lies". Spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine and the West of inventing "another distortion" and a "crude lie". Russia's military claimed the Dormition Cathedral was hit by a Ukrainian Patriot missile.

Putin rejects Zelensky's offer

Zelensky, speaking from the damaged monastery, said the US had agreed to invite Putin to the G7 summit, and Ukraine delivered the invitation directly to Russian counterparts but received no clear answer. He accused the Russian leader of behaving "in a cynical way" by launching a heavy attack hours after a phone call with Trump. Earlier this month, Zelensky sent an open letter to Putin offering face-to-face talks and suggesting the war was straining Russia's economy; Putin publicly dismissed the idea, saying Ukraine's long-range drone attacks pose no economic threat.

“Europe and the US were in agreement and Russia showed again... that it is not ready to talk.”

G7 agenda spans multiple crises

The summit's agenda includes the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where a US-Iran framework deal has opened a 60-day window for technical negotiations on uranium stockpiles and sanctions relief. European leaders warn the temporary accord may entrench Iran's nuclear and ballistic programmes. Discussions are also covering a possible naval mission under Franco-British leadership to reopen the vital energy corridor.

Zelensky's air defence priority

Zelensky said his top priority at the G7 is to secure more air defence systems to protect against Russian attacks. He plans to meet European leaders and Trump to discuss how to pressure Putin to end the war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia's "war economy" is showing signs of weakness and that Kyiv is making progress on the battlefield.