Ukraine's allies will attempt to convince US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit today that a tougher line against Moscow is the fastest way to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Politico reports, according to UNN.
Details
"Kyiv's allies will do everything possible to convince Donald Trump at today's G7 summit that a tough stance on Moscow is the most reliable way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine," according to officials and diplomats briefed on the preparations for the summit.
The US President signaled a renewed interest in negotiations for a settlement between Russia and Ukraine as he arrived smiling for the important meeting in Evian. "But this is causing concern among EU officials who are eager to involve Washington in their strategy," the publication writes.
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"Ukraine will dominate today's summit, as leaders meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a two-hour session dedicated to what Kyiv needs to continue its self-defense and how to resolve the conflict," the publication notes.
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Ahead of the meeting, both Ukrainian and European officials emphasized that their goal at the G7 is to align with Washington on the best way to end the hostilities. "It is important that other G7 countries, particularly the United States… do not weaken their position on Ukraine," an official from French President Emmanuel Macron's office told reporters last week.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear on Monday how the EU views the situation: more funds for Ukraine, more pressure on Russia. "Europe continues its unwavering support for Ukraine," she said, noting that the bloc's 90 billion euro loan covers two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs for this and next year. "As for the remaining third, we need Ukraine's partners to step up," she indicated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced late in the evening that the UK is introducing new energy sanctions against Russia, targeting Moscow's illegal "shadow fleet." It also concluded an agreement on supplies for Ukrainian nuclear power plants over the next two years.
Meanwhile, Macron emphasized his demand that Europeans have a seat at the table in any future negotiations with Russia. "The right kind of negotiation is when Ukraine and Russia sit at the negotiating table, with Europeans and Americans by their side," he said in an interview with the French TV channel TF1.
But Trump has shown little interest in pressuring Russia, the publication observes. In fact, he has eased sanctions while Europe has tightened them. He also does not want to send more money to Ukraine, the publication notes.
"His recent outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin – they held a nearly hour-long conversation on Sunday – and the prospect of him sending negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner back to Moscow, raise fears that Trump may want to negotiate without Europe's help," the publication states.
A senior Trump administration official told the publication that "the only person on the planet… who can bring the two sides together and try to negotiate an end to this war is Donald Trump."
"Bottom line: The G7 is one of the few places where Western powers can still try to unite as a block and demonstrate a common purpose. But Trump could easily shatter any hope of unity – and Ukraine may well be the trigger," the publication concludes.