Zelenskyy showed Trump photos of the aftermath of the Russian strike on the Lavra at the G7 summit - Reuters
Kyiv • UNN
Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed Donald Trump the consequences of the Russian strike on the Lavra. G7 leaders agreed to increase pressure on the Russian Federation and provide Ukraine with more air defense missiles.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with US President Donald Trump, showed the United States leader photographs of the consequences of Monday's Russian strike that hit the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Reuters reports, citing European diplomats, according to UNN.
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The thousand-year-old complex, a symbol of Ukraine's spiritual and cultural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage site, was heavily damaged during a massive Russian strike that killed 11 people across the country.
The strike on the church drew international condemnation, with the French Foreign Minister stating it was akin to the bombing of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
"Trump expressed his disapproval of the Russian strike," one European diplomat said, while another noted that "psychologically, it was a good move by Zelenskyy to show the photos."
A French diplomatic source told Reuters that G7 leaders agreed during "very productive" talks to remain united in their support for Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia. The leaders agreed to step up pressure on Russia through sanctions on its oil and gas, the diplomat said.
Speaking after the G7 leaders' discussion on Ukraine, a European diplomat stated that "the atmosphere during the session was very positive."
"Right now, it seems we have a common analysis that Russia is currently in a defensive position," the diplomat said, adding that Trump stayed until the end of the session.
Zelenskyy, in a conversation with Reuters, reportedly also said that the G7 discussions on Ukraine were positive.
He also reportedly noted that:
- there was unanimity among all G7 leaders that Russia will not win the war and must reach a deal as soon as possible;
- all G7 leaders recognized that Russia wants to attack civilian infrastructure;
- Trump was very positive about the fact that the US could help Ukraine with more air defense missiles;
- the G7 discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly in the energy sector, banking, and the military sphere;
- many people from Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's inner circle are pushing him toward a larger mobilization of troops;
- 60% of Russian society wants to stop the war.