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U.S. President Donald Trump stated during the G7 summit that Russia must end its war against Ukraine, a position that provides grounds for cautious optimism regarding the allies’ next steps.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the remarks to journalists after the first day of the G7 leaders’ meeting in Évian, France, UATV English reports.
“What gives all of us reason for optimism is President Trump’s statement that Russia must stop this war. I believe that is a clear signal. Russia must end this war,” Merz said.
According to the chancellor, summit participants held detailed discussions with the U.S. president about the next steps on Ukraine, including the possibility of additional sanctions against Russia.
“We spoke with him about this in great detail, as well as about the next steps, including possible further sanctions. We explained to him what the European Union will be doing in the coming days, still this week. I found him very willing to cooperate. I also saw that he listened very attentively,” Merz noted.
He expressed hope that the United States and its European allies would continue acting together to help bring the war to an end.
Merz also said that during a meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, participants reaffirmed their readiness for peace negotiations.
“Together with President Zelenskyy, we made it clear to the American president that we are ready for peace talks. At the same time, these negotiations must begin from the right positions. Russia’s demand that Ukraine surrender the free part of the Donbas was and remains unacceptable,” the chancellor stated.
He added that he had the impression that Trump is “gradually becoming more receptive to this assessment of the situation and is working with us to find a path toward ending this war.”
According to Merz, G7 leaders broadly reached a common assessment of the situation in Ukraine and believe that Russia cannot win the war through military means, while the current dynamics may create an opportunity for peace for the first time.
“What is new is that all G7 partners are united in their assessment of the situation. In my view, this is very good news because the war has taken on a new dynamic in recent days and weeks,” Merz said.
He stressed that Ukraine, “not least thanks to substantial European and German assistance,” has secured a stronger position.
“In my view, it is now completely clear that Russia cannot win this war militarily. In addition, the Russian economy is suffering under the burden of the war and sanctions,” the German chancellor said.
He added that this situation “may, perhaps for the first time, open a window for peace.”
“We, as G7 partners, want to seize this opportunity together,” Merz emphasized.
As previously reported, the G7 Summit countries agreed to increase deliveries of air defense systems and long-range weapons to Ukraine.
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