Macron courts Trump at G7 summit amid Ukraine focus; Netanyahu seen as Iran war loser

French President Emmanuel Macron is orchestrating a grand summit show in Évian-les-Bains, drawing G7 leaders and guests against a backdrop of the Alps. Thousands of security forces are on duty, while nearby Geneva expresses frustration over traffic and demonstration disruptions without French financial contribution.

The summit's second day focuses on "Peace and Security for Ukraine and Europe," aiming to outline terms for future negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, including discussions on territory. This comes after a Russian attack damaged a famous cave monastery in Kyiv, causing its main church to catch fire. European nations are now shouldering almost all new military aid for Ukraine.

Despite Donald Trump's monopolization of diplomatic efforts for an end to the war, Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intend to bolster Europe's role in potential Russia-Ukraine talks. Macron also seeks to re-engage Trump, inviting him to Versailles for a dinner celebrating 250 years of U.S. history, but primarily to mend strained transatlantic relations.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is portrayed as a casualty of the Iran war. Although the U.S. and Iran have digitally signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a deal to end hostilities, including in Lebanon, Israel has signaled it will not comply with the terms.