G7 Leaders Welcome Trump's Shift on Ukraine, Support Strengthened Pressure on Russia

(Central News Agency, Evian, France, June 17) Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) welcomed today U.S. President Donald Trump's shift in position on Ukraine, viewing Washington's tougher stance toward Russia as a sign of unprecedented unity aimed at bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an early end.

According to AFP, the three-day summit held in the French town of Evian focused on Trump's role in brokering an agreement to end the conflict with Iran, as well as intensifying sanctions on Russia to push for a peace deal with Ukraine.

A major breakthrough occurred in the Middle East, where Trump signed a memorandum of understanding to end months-long tensions with Iran. The leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States also agreed on a final statement addressing the war in Ukraine—marking a sharp contrast to last year's summit, when Trump left early and no joint statement was issued.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "The process was difficult, but very much worth it," describing the joint declaration as a "success."

The statement includes commitments to increase aid for Ukrainian air defense systems and to strengthen sanctions on Russia's war economy, including targeting Moscow's fossil fuel revenues to intensify pressure.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised a "very profound change" in the U.S. approach to Ukraine, saying Trump now understands that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no genuine intention of pursuing peace.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said there was "much common ground" on Ukraine, which she noted "is not self-evident," and emphasized that there was "no friction or disagreement."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit in person. Trump repeatedly adopted a tougher tone toward Russia, stressing that Moscow must seek an agreement and expressing impatience over the rising death toll on both sides.

Diplomatic sources revealed that G7 leaders agreed to authorize Ukrainian companies to produce long-range missiles and air defense systems.

During today's lunch session, artificial intelligence (AI) became a focal point. Several European G7 members advocated for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect minors from the rapid changes in the digital environment, though these proposals drew criticism from the United States.

In their joint statement, G7 leaders urged the tech industry to "develop and deploy technologies and systems that ensure users have safe, reliable, and age-appropriate digital experiences."

Trump remained the center of attention throughout his stay at the lakeside resort in Evian. French officials expressed satisfaction that the unpredictable U.S. president attended the entire summit and agreed to sign the G7 joint communiqué.

After the summit concluded, Macron invited Trump to dinner at the Palace of Versailles, just outside Paris.

According to a video released by Trump's staff, the president formally signed the memorandum aimed at ending Middle Eastern conflicts during the candlelit dinner, drawing applause from guests.

Trump warned that if Iran fails to meet its obligations, the U.S. is prepared to resume military action, stating, "If they don't behave, we will immediately resume bombing, and we will hit them right on the head."

(Translation: Hsu Jui-Cheng) 1150618