Trump meets Zelenskyy at G7, shifts focus to Kyiv

UKRAINE STRATEGY | After Iran breakthrough, European leaders urge US for robust support to resolve Russian conflict

Agencies

Evian-les-Bains

United States President Donald Trump held high-level discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (June 16), signaling a renewed shift in focus toward the conflict in Eastern Europe as the G7 summit entered its first full day.  

Following his engagement with the Ukrainian leader, President Trump indicated that his administration’s focus would now pivot squarely toward the situation in Ukraine, suggesting that the recent Iran deal will soon be "in the rearview mirror."  

The meeting, which also included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was described as a constructive step toward coordinating strategy. President Zelenskyy, who was invited to the summit by host nation France, emphasized the urgency of the moment, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the primary objective remained "to strengthen air defense for Ukraine and advance diplomacy, to make Russia end its war."  

European leaders at the summit, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have signaled their intent to use the gathering to press the U.S. for continued, robust support for Kyiv. 

European diplomats expressed relief at the renewed focus on Russia’s invasion, noting a "joint analysis" that the battlefield dynamics in 2026 are shifting in Ukraine's favor.

POTUS dials Putin, seeks peace push

Evian-les-Bains: President Trump is pushing for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict, urging Russia to pursue a negotiated peace. Following a "frank" phone call with Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed optimism, highlighting that the current death toll is unsustainable. He has even suggested pivoting diplomatic resources toward securing a breakthrough in Eastern Europe. While the Kremlin remains firm on its own negotiation terms and continues military operations, the U.S. is reportedly planning follow-up missions to Moscow to explore de-escalation.