G7 Backs Ukraine as Trump Signals Shift on Russia War

US President Donald Trump told fellow world leaders "I'm the boss" during the Group of Seven summit as member nations pledged continued support for Ukraine and announced new sanctions against Russia, Michel Rose, John Irish and Steve Holland reported for Reuters.

G7 leaders gather during a summit in France to discuss Ukraine, Russia and global security challenges. (Photo: G7 Facebook)

Trump's remark, described as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of his influence within the group, came during the June 15-17 summit in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains.

The comment followed a joint leaders' statement that could strengthen Ukraine's position in any future peace negotiations with Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his allies arrived at the summit hoping to convince Trump that Ukraine's recent military successes demonstrate Russia is not in a position to dictate peace terms.

The joint statement and remarks from participating leaders suggested Trump may have become more receptive to Kyiv's arguments after years of skepticism.

During a news conference, Trump said Russia was suffering greater military losses than Ukraine and described Moscow as the offensive party in the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump had shown a "real change in approach" regarding the war.

Unlike the G7 summit in Canada last year, which ended without a unified position on Ukraine, this year's gathering concluded with a joint statement supporting Kyiv.

Ahead of a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles, both Macron and Trump described the summit as a success.

However, analysts noted that any effort to pressure Moscow into meaningful peace talks will still depend heavily on Trump's willingness to maintain support for Ukraine and sustain pressure on Russia.