G7 IN EVIAN: TRUMP TELLS ZELENSKYY “RUSSIA MUST MAKE A DEAL” AS LEADERS SEE NEW HOPE FOR PEACE

A new diplomatic opening on the war in Ukraine emerged at the G7 Summit in Evian after U.S. President Donald Trump described his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “very good” and declared that “Russia should make a deal.”

The comments have sparked cautious optimism among Western leaders gathered in the French lakeside resort, where discussions on Ukraine, the Middle East, global trade and international security dominate the agenda.

The war in Ukraine has now entered its fifth year, but leaders believe recent developments may have created a new opportunity for diplomatic progress.

“Russia should make a deal,” Trump told reporters. “Too many young men are dying. I’m going to do whatever I can.”

A Different Tone Between Trump and Zelenskyy

The atmosphere surrounding the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting was markedly different from their tense Oval Office encounter last year, when the Ukrainian leader was told he lacked leverage in potential negotiations with Moscow.

According to European diplomats attending the summit, Tuesday’s discussions were constructive and positive.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Trump’s remarks, saying they provided grounds for optimism.

“I found him very cooperative, and I saw him listening attentively,” Merz told reporters. “It gives me confidence that Europeans and Americans are working together to bring this war to an end.”

Zelenskyy Pushes for More Pressure on Moscow

Following meetings with G7 leaders, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there was broad agreement that Russia is not winning the war.

The Ukrainian leader revealed that discussions focused on increasing sanctions targeting Russian oil exports, the banking sector and military production.

The goal, he said, is to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin and bring Moscow back to meaningful negotiations.

“We must force Russia to end its war against our people,” Zelenskyy said.

Images That Moved the Conversation

One of the most significant moments reportedly occurred when Zelenskyy showed Trump photographs of the aftermath of a Russian strike on Kyiv’s historic Pechersk Lavra monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

European diplomats said Trump expressed clear disapproval after seeing the images.

One diplomat described the move as “psychologically very effective,” helping reinforce Ukraine’s argument that Russia continues to target civilian and cultural sites.

Europe Wants Tougher Sanctions

While the mood was positive, differences remain.

European leaders continue to push for stronger U.S. sanctions against Moscow.

Trump stopped short of committing to a new sanctions package but suggested Washington may soon be in a position to reimpose restrictions on Russian oil exports.

“We’ll be able to do that soon,” he said.

Von der Leyen: “The Tide Is Turning”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen argued that momentum is shifting in Ukraine’s favour.

“Russia’s fatigue is openly showing,” she wrote on social media. “This is the moment to double down on our support.”

European leaders are expected to expand military assistance, particularly air defence systems, as Ukraine prepares for another winter under continued Russian attacks.

Middle East Also Dominates the Agenda

Alongside Ukraine, G7 leaders devoted considerable attention to the Middle East.

Following the preliminary agreement reached between the United States and Iran, discussions focused on securing the long-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France, Britain and other European partners are prepared to contribute naval assets to ensure maritime security in the region.

Trump stated that Hormuz would be “completely open” and promised to publicly present the details of the Iran agreement in the coming days.

Meloni Calls for Western Unity

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the summit to stress the importance of maintaining Western unity on both Ukraine and broader global challenges.

Meloni held meetings with Trump, Macron, European leaders and representatives from Gulf nations.

The G7 also adopted a declaration on international partnerships that specifically referenced Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, one of Rome’s flagship international development initiatives.

A Summit That Could Mark a Turning Point

Although no breakthrough agreement has yet emerged, the Evian summit has highlighted a growing sense of coordination between Washington, Brussels and Kyiv.

The road to peace remains uncertain, but the message from the G7 is increasingly clear: pressure on Moscow will continue, support for Ukraine remains strong, and Western leaders are determined to present a united front.

Whether that unity translates into meaningful negotiations remains to be seen, but for the first time in months, there appears to be cautious optimism that diplomacy may once again have a chance.

The post G7 IN EVIAN: TRUMP TELLS ZELENSKYY “RUSSIA MUST MAKE A DEAL” AS LEADERS SEE NEW HOPE FOR PEACE first appeared on Allora! Italian Australian News.