Trump arrives at French summit optimistic on Ukraine peace, but Putin call looms

Donald Trump arrived at the G7 summit in France, projecting optimism about his potential to broker peace in Ukraine. Standing alongside host Emmanuel Macron, the US president declared he had "a really good conversation" with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin the previous day. "I actually think we can do something there. I really think that. I think they both are open to it," Trump said, referring to the summit's central topic: the war in Ukraine and prospects for a peace agreement.

Last year's G7 summit in Canada saw Trump depart early, largely due to disagreements over the Ukraine war. This year, Macron has made significant efforts to accommodate Trump's preferences. Plans to discuss climate were removed from the agenda, and the summit's schedule was adjusted, partly to accommodate Trump's birthday. A state dinner at the Palace of Versailles is also planned in honor of the 250th anniversary of US independence.

However, European leaders face a challenge stemming from Trump's nearly hour-long call with Russian President Putin. According to Berlingske's security correspondent, Simon Kruse, Putin attempted to convince Trump that G7 leaders intended to mislead him. The hope among Macron, Keir Starmer, and Friedrich Merz is that Ukraine's strengthened position on the battlefield will also resonate with Trump. A planned meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on Tuesday morning is expected to indicate whether this approach will be successful.

“

I actually think we can do something there. I really think that. I think they both are open to it.