G7 leaders endorsed tighter pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine on Wednesday, highlighting a new unity after President Donald Trump signaled a tougher stance toward Moscow.
The three‑day summit in Evian, France, centred on Trump’s agreement with Iran to end hostilities and on intensifying sanctions to compel Russia to negotiate peace for Ukraine.
President Macron posted on X: “President Trump signed tonight at Versailles the agreement between Iran and the United States. This pact paves the way for lasting peace and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States issued a joint statement referencing the Ukraine war—a departure from last year’s meeting, when Trump left early.
Ukraine pressure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the statement a “success,” noting the tough work involved.
In addition to boosting air‑defence supplies for Kyiv, the leaders agreed to intensify sanctions on Russia’s war economy, including targeting fossil‑fuel revenues.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the United States had undergone “a very deep change” in its approach to Ukraine, acknowledging that President Vladimir Putin showed no genuine interest in peace.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni added that there was significant convergence among the G7 on Ukraine, with no evident friction.
Throughout the summit, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended, Trump adopted a harder line on Moscow, demanding that Russia seek a deal and expressing impatience over the ongoing casualties.
The G7 also agreed to grant licences for Ukrainian firms to produce long‑range missiles and air‑defence systems.
In his final news conference, Trump praised his talks with Zelensky in Evian and a recent phone call with Putin, stating, “They both want to do something, they just don’t know how to do it.”
AI talks
During a Wednesday lunch, European G7 members pushed for stronger protections for minors in the digital realm, a stance that raised concerns in the United States.
Representatives from OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepMind and France’s Mistral AI—including Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, Demis Hassabis and Arthur Mensch—participated in the discussion.
The leaders called on tech companies “to develop and apply technology and systems that ensure safe, secure and age‑appropriate experiences,” the joint statement read.
Macron urged “better regulation” of artificial intelligence, warning of the danger of “non‑cooperation between democracies,” and emphasized corporate responsibility. Altman cautioned leaders not to abdicate their responsibilities over AI.
Versailles dinner
Trump remained the focal point of the summit’s final day. French officials welcomed his full‑time participation and his signing of the G7 communiqué.
In an unusual move, Macron invited Trump to a dinner at the Palace of Versailles after the summit concluded.
Trump expressed enthusiasm for the historic venue, noting, “Versailles has a lot of gold; I want to see it.” Macron arranged a private tour that included the Hall of Mirrors, a gallery dedicated to the American War of Independence, and a concert in the Royal Chapel.
During the candlelit dinner in the Lower Gallery, Trump signed the memorandum of understanding intended to end the Middle East conflict, an event captured in a video released by his aide.
The dinner hosted roughly 30 guests, among them LVMH chief Bernard Arnault and TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné. Macron later clarified that the event was not a “gala” dinner.
Trump warning on Iran
Trump spent about three hours at the palace, during which he held a phone call with Macron and Zelensky.
He warned that the United States would resume military action if Tehran failed to meet its obligations, stating, “If they don’t behave, we’ll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head.”
While Macron chaired the summit, Trump asserted his authority upon arriving for the final day, declaring, “I’m the boss,” before taking his seat.
(With newswires)