Leaders of the "Group of Seven" countries, after the first day of negotiations at the summit in Evian, France, are "unexpectedly optimistic about their relationship with the White House" and are slightly less nervous about whether the crucial NATO summit in Turkey next month might fall through. This is reported by Politico, citing two unnamed high-ranking EU diplomats, UNN informs.
Details
It is indicated that the reason was the "apparent openness" of US President Donald Trump to increasing pressure on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine, and his need for help from allies to stabilize a framework ceasefire agreement with Iran.
The contours of a deal in which Trump supports Europe on Ukraine in exchange for European assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz — a major waterway whose closure during a war with Iran led to skyrocketing energy prices — appear to be taking some shape
It is noted that Trump, who just celebrated his 80th birthday, caught summit participants off guard by announcing, after a 70-minute conversation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other leaders, that the US would re-impose sanctions against Russia's oil sector.
However, as always with the author of "The Art of the Deal," the statement on Ukraine comes with a price. ... Trump pressed his G7 colleagues to support his deal with Iran and offer assistance in demining the Strait of Hormuz before Vice President JD Vance arrives in Geneva to finalize a ceasefire agreement with Tehran
Putin and Trump did not discuss a possible meeting with Zelenskyy in the US – Ushakov16.06.26, 18:34
The authors point out that, instead, European leaders insisted that "there must be some concession regarding Ukraine."
There is a very strong expectation that he will support Ukraine. That is exactly what he told the leaders
According to diplomats, despite the "transactional" nature of the apparent "Ukraine for a favor on Iran" deal, the optimistic outcome of Tuesday's summit is largely due to the G7 leaders' attempts to charm the US President.
To avoid a repeat of last year's summit, which Trump left early, Macron carefully organized Trump's visit to keep him engaged. The French leader even convinced Trump to extend his stay by inviting him to dinner at the Palace of Versailles near Paris
At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had not spoken to Trump for weeks after criticizing his war in Iran, presented him with a national football team jersey embroidered with the number 47 on the back, which Trump accepted with a smile.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who herself had spoken sharply regarding Pope Leo XIV and the war in Iran, held what one Italian diplomat called a friendly "clarification meeting" with Trump.
Zelenskyy also came prepared. Appealing to the religious members of Trump's inner circle, the Ukrainian leader shared an image with the leaders at the G7 table of a burning cathedral struck by a Russian drone attack
The authors summarize that "this charm offensive" had a political goal: to keep Trump firmly in the camp of Western powers ahead of the crucial NATO summit to be held next month in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Reminder
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects that another meeting with US President Donald Trump will take place on Wednesday, May 17.