Trump offers Ukraine olive branch at G7 — with a price tag
G7 leaders left the first day of the summit unexpectedly optimistic after Trump showed willingness to pressure Russia over Ukraine, but in exchange for European help with the Iran deal.
G7 Summit: Unexpected Optimism
Group of Seven leaders arrived at the summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, bracing for a confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump over Iran and the war in Ukraine. Instead, after the first full day of talks, they emerged with unexpected optimism about their relationship with the White House. According to two senior EU diplomats, the reason was Trump’s apparent openness to increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, coupled with his need for allies’ help to stabilize a ceasefire framework with Iran.
A Deal in the Making
The contours of a possible deal are taking shape: Trump backs Europe on Ukraine in exchange for European help securing the Strait of Hormuz. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told journalists that the discussions gave him a sense of optimism. While diplomats cautioned against over-optimism, noting Trump’s past reversals on Ukraine, they echoed Merz’s assessment that transatlantic relations were improving.
Trump’s Shift: From Tension to Engagement
Earlier, Trump had triggered anxiety by suggesting that a U.S.-Iran pact would allow him to focus on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal, and his hour-long phone call with Putin on Sunday fueled fears of a pro-Russian tilt. However, at the summit, Trump announced the U.S. would reimpose sanctions on Russia’s oil sector, stating “Russia has to make a deal.”
Conditional Support
Yet the olive branch comes with conditions. Per two diplomats, Trump urged G7 counterparts to support his Iran deal and help clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Publicly he downplayed the need for help, but privately he was more conciliatory. G7 leaders signaled readiness to assist, provided the deployment of mine-clearing ships is requested by the U.S., Iran, and Oman.
Charm Offensive
To keep Trump engaged, European leaders launched a charm offensive. French President Emmanuel Macron convinced Trump to extend his stay with a dinner invitation at the Palace of Versailles. Merz gifted Trump a customized national football jersey with the number 47. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a friendly “clarification meeting” with Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed leaders an image of a burning cathedral struck by a Russian drone. The goal was to keep Trump in the Western camp ahead of next month’s critical NATO summit in Ankara. As one senior EU official quipped: “We just have to get through this and get to Ankara.”
