Trump Urges Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal as G7 Leaders See New Hope for Ending War

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine following what he described as a “very good” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The remarks fueled cautious optimism among world leaders that renewed diplomatic efforts could help bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its fifth year.

The positive atmosphere marked a significant shift from previous encounters between Trump and Zelenskiy, particularly their tense Oval Office meeting last year. This time, Zelenskiy and European leaders sought to demonstrate that Ukraine’s military position has improved, highlighting successful drone operations deep inside Russian territory.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stressed the urgent need for peace, stating that too many lives were being lost on both sides of the conflict. While he pledged to do everything possible to help end the war, he did not provide specific details about potential new measures against Moscow.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Trump’s comments, describing the U.S. president as cooperative and attentive during discussions. Merz said the meeting strengthened confidence that Europe and the United States could work together to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Following the talks, Zelenskiy told Reuters that G7 leaders agreed Russia was not winning the war and discussed additional sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports, banking sector, and military-industrial complex. He also confirmed that Ukrainian and U.S. officials would continue discussions over the following 24 hours, with another meeting between him and Trump expected.

European diplomats reported that Zelenskiy showed Trump images of the damage caused by a recent Russian strike on Kyiv’s historic Pechersk Lavra monastery. According to diplomats, Trump expressed disapproval of the attack, and the exchange helped create a constructive tone during the meeting.

Despite the positive discussions, Trump remained noncommittal about imposing broader U.S. sanctions on Russia, a measure strongly supported by European allies. However, he indicated that Washington could allow certain Russian oil waivers to expire following a preliminary agreement related to the Iran conflict.

European leaders argued that Ukraine’s recent military successes have strengthened Kyiv’s position and challenged earlier assumptions that favored Moscow in potential negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia is showing signs of fatigue and urged allies to increase support for Ukraine. A French diplomat also confirmed that G7 nations pledged additional air defense assistance to help Ukraine counter escalating Russian attacks on civilian targets.

Beyond Ukraine, G7 leaders also focused on Middle East security and global energy stability. Discussions included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s partial closure of the critical shipping route earlier this year. Leaders explored alternative trade corridors and reviewed the framework of an interim agreement aimed at easing tensions with Tehran.

European governments expressed concerns that the temporary Iran deal could allow Tehran to preserve elements of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a comprehensive and lasting agreement. Trump, meanwhile, maintained that the deal clearly prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an objective Tehran has consistently denied pursuing.

The G7 summit highlighted growing international efforts to address both the Ukraine conflict and broader geopolitical challenges, with leaders signaling a renewed commitment to diplomacy, security cooperation, and regional stability.