G7 Leaders Step Up Pressure on Russia to End War in Ukraine
G7 leaders agreed to increase sanctions on Russia, and Ukrainian President Zelensky met with US President Trump, urging progress toward peace.
Leaders of the G7 group agreed on Tuesday to intensify pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine. The summit in the French resort town of Évian was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who held face-to-face talks with US President Donald Trump. Trump stated that Russia should agree to end the war, highlighting the heavy losses on both sides.
According to a French diplomatic source, the leaders decided to ramp up pressure by imposing sanctions on gas and oil, and acknowledged that the dynamics on the ground are in Ukraine's favor. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new sanctions, including on tankers transporting liquefied natural gas. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney imposed sanctions on 160 entities linked to Russia's shadow fleet.
Zelensky posted on X that his priorities include increasing air defense missiles, a winter support package, and stepping up pressure on Russia. He also called for a decisive G7 response after Russian strikes killed at least 11 people and damaged a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral in Kyiv. Zelensky revealed that Putin had rejected an offer to meet within the G7 framework, but he himself is ready to meet Putin in the US.
The summit also addressed Iran. Trump described Iran's new leadership as "very rational people" and suggested that Syria's President Ahmed al-Shara should handle Hezbollah, as Israel's campaign is causing too many casualties.
