Trump Signals New Ukraine Support at G7, but European Skepticism Persists

President Donald Trump demonstrated a cooperative stance during the three-day G7 summit, aligning with allies on key issues including Ukraine support and potential renewal of sanctions against Russia. This marked a departure from past behavior, as he avoided confrontational tactics and endorsed a unified declaration on foreign policy matters.

Despite this unexpected collaboration, European leaders and analysts remain cautious. While the summit produced agreements on Ukraine, Iran, and artificial intelligence, there is little optimism that Trump’s approach signals a lasting return to traditional U.S.-Europe relations. The focus has shifted from seeking long-term alignment to managing temporary cooperation amid ongoing unpredictability.

Rachel Tausendfreund, a senior research fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, noted that such summits have recently centered on averting negative outcomes, making productive dialogue a notable achievement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the joint declaration on Ukraine a “real success,” underscoring its significance as the first of its kind under Trump’s tenure.

Christian Hartmann/Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) take a walk during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, June 16, 2026.

European strategy toward Trump has evolved from past attempts at appeasement to a more balanced approach. Jeremy Shapiro, director of the U.S. program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted a move away from “appease, delay, distract” tactics, particularly after Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on Greenland. Leaders are now combining diplomatic gestures with firmer stances, such as opposing U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict. Behind the scenes, Germany and Poland finalized a mutual defense agreement, reflecting efforts to reduce reliance on American support.

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

President Donald Trump gestures as he meets with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit, in Évian-les-Bains, France, June 17, 2026.

While symbolic gestures, such as Macron’s invitation to a Versailles dinner celebrating the U.S. anniversary, were well-received, European nations are prioritizing contingency planning. Initiatives like a proposed European leadership group on Ukraine have faltered due to internal divisions, illustrating lingering challenges in achieving cohesive strategy. As Shapiro observed, the U.S. historically unified European allies with decisive leadership, but current efforts to secure collective action remain fragmented.

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