During the G7 summit in Evian, France, leaders of European nations urged US President Donald Trump to attempt to unblock the peace process regarding Ukraine and organize negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on United States territory. This was reported by UNN with reference to The Guardian.
According to the publication, during discussions on the sidelines of the summit, Trump acknowledged that reaching agreements is complicated by the "great antipathy" between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. At the same time, he promised to do everything possible to advance the negotiation process.
"Russia must make a deal. It has lost so many people, just like Ukraine," the US President stated.
Zelenskyy attempts to return US attention to the war
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Evian at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. One of the main goals of the Ukrainian leader was to restore active dialogue with Donald Trump after the United States and Iran reached agreements on a 60-day ceasefire.
During the meeting of G7 leaders and Ukraine, Trump stated that he is ready to facilitate diplomatic efforts. According to German sources, the American president also agreed that Russia's positions are currently weaker than before.
Subsequently, the first face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in four months took place. French President Emmanuel Macron also participated in the negotiations.
According to The Guardian, Zelenskyy tried to convince Trump that Ukraine is no longer in a losing position on the battlefield, and that the role of the US should consist not only of relaying messages between the parties, but of supporting fair mediation.
G7 prepares new sanctions against Russia
During the summit, G7 leaders also agreed to increase sanctions pressure on the Russian energy sector.
The European Union is already working on the 21st sanctions package, which, in particular, provides for new restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas and the tanker fleet.
Ukraine's European partners expect that Trump's more active involvement in the negotiation process could create the prerequisites for the start of real contacts between Kyiv and Moscow as early as this autumn.
Europe insists on participation in potential negotiations
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom advocate for being directly represented at potential peace negotiations.
"The correct format for negotiations is when Ukraine and Russia are present at the table, but also Europeans and Americans," Macron stated.
Berlin considers the most realistic format to be one involving Ukraine, Russia, the US, and European states. At the same time, discussions continue regarding who exactly will represent Europe.
President of Finland Alexander Stubb has already rejected the idea of leading the European delegation.
"I do not see myself as a representative of Europe in this process. This should be done by the major powers – France, Germany, and Great Britain," he emphasized.
At the same time, Stubb supported the necessity of starting a dialogue.
"Currently, Ukraine is in a strong military, political, and economic position. That is why the time has come for Europe to establish contact with the leadership of Russia and conduct diplomatic negotiations," the President of Finland noted.
Zelenskyy names conditions for meeting with Putin and neutral venue for negotiations16.06.26, 16:10