G7 summit signals shift on Ukraine; Trump says 'I'm the boss'
EU and G7 leaders on Wednesday pledged unanimous support for Ukraine and imposed new sanctions on Russia, with US President Trump saying "I'm the boss."
The remark came during the G7 summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15-17, following a joint statement that could further strengthen Ukraine's leverage in potential peace talks with Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his allies aimed to convince Trump that Ukraine's counteroffensive is making progress and Russia cannot dictate terms in any peace agreement.
The joint statement and leaders' comments indicate Trump, after years of skepticism, is warming to Zelenskyy's arguments. French President Macron said this shows a "real change in attitude" from the US on Ukraine, calling the summit "a success." In contrast, last year's G7 summit in Canada failed to reach a common position on Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni said leaders found "common ground with Trump, which is not always a given." Canadian Prime Minister Carney praised the US and Trump for "shifting positions."
Last year Trump left the G7 summit a day early due to the Middle East situation, but this time he attended fully and was set to head to the Palace of Versailles for dinner later. The summit produced joint statements on Ukraine, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and other issues, with leaders visibly relieved.
However, any prospect of forcing Moscow to the negotiating table still hinges on Trump's commitments, which can be unpredictable.
"I'm the boss," Trump told leaders and journalists as he took his seat at the global economic security meeting.
Trump's Iran deal sets tone for talks
G7 leaders also welcomed the preliminary peace agreement between the US and Iran, expressing willingness to help implement it, but Trump made no specific commitments regarding their potential role.
European allies fear that inexperienced US negotiators may fail to secure a solid nuclear deal in the next phase or resolve Iran's ballistic missile program, leading to prolonged confrontation.
Meanwhile, Trump stressed that the memorandum of understanding with Iran is not a final deal, and the US could resume bombing if Iran fails to comply.
"If I don't like it, if they're not honest, we'll go back to bombing immediately, dropping bombs right on top of their heads," he said.
Despite European allies publicly supporting the preliminary deal, diplomats warn that reaching a lasting agreement on Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile program, and support for proxy forces in the Middle East will be extremely challenging.
