Trump’s remarks followed a meeting between G7 and European Union leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the ongoing war in its fifth year. According to four European officials familiar with the discussions, the leaders decided to intensify economic pressure on Moscow to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
Trump stated he had met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and mentioned plans to hold bilateral talks with Zelenskyy later on Tuesday.
Before the summit, some European leaders voiced concerns that Trump, now able to shift focus from the Middle East, might disrupt efforts to pressure the Kremlin.
However, an Italian diplomat reported that the seven government heads and European Union leaders at Tuesday morning’s meeting were unanimously in favor of increasing pressure on Moscow. An EU official noted that “the U.S. was very positive towards Ukraine during the session.”
Meanwhile, other G7 nations are advancing their initiatives against Russia. The United Kingdom imposed new energy sanctions on Moscow on Monday, and Canada announced its measures following a meeting between Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday.
The new Canadian sanctions aim at 162 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to the Russian war apparatus, according to the Canadian government.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the bloc’s 21st sanctions package last week, focused on Russia’s banking, energy, and trade sectors. The package, currently under negotiation, includes a proposal to freeze the current price cap on Russian oil purchases at $44 per barrel.
Sue Allan contributed to this report.
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