Trump may concede on Ukraine in exchange for European help in Hormuz Strait
US President Donald Trump is reportedly ready to support Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia if European allies help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Potential Trump deal with Europe
According to Politico sources, US President Donald Trump is willing to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia in exchange for European assistance in demining the Strait of Hormuz. These discussions took place during the G7 summit in France.
Trump seeks to stabilize a ceasefire with Iran, but needs the military capabilities of G7 nations to clear the strait of mines. European leaders are prepared to help, but only if they receive support for Ukraine in return.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about the talks, noting that both official and informal discussions with Trump give him hope. Earlier, Europe feared Trump might force Ukraine to make territorial concessions, especially after his hour-long phone call with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. However, during the summit, Trump unexpectedly announced that the US is ready to reimpose tough sanctions on Russia's oil sector, saying: "Russia must make a deal."
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that sending ships to the Hormuz Strait is possible only with an official US request and the consent of other involved parties, including Iran and Oman.
G7 summit decisions
On June 16, G7 leaders agreed to tighten sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports to limit Moscow's war funding. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that G7 countries see no desire from Russia to end the war.
On the summit sidelines, Trump hinted he might not extend sanctions exemptions for Russian oil, which were introduced due to global price rises caused by the war in Iran. Merz expressed optimism that European leaders and Trump have reached a common position on the war in Ukraine.
