The G7 Summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France, brought a surprise for Western leaders: instead of the expected tensions with Donald Trump regarding Ukraine and Iran, the discussions ended on a more optimistic note concerning transatlantic relations.
According to Politico, European leaders entered the meeting prepared for confrontations, but after the first day of discussions they came out “less nervous” and with a sense of restarting the dialogue with Washington.
Opening towards Ukraine, in exchange for support for Iran
The change in tone came against the backdrop of Trump’s willingness to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the American leader would need support from allies to stabilize a ceasefire agreement with Iran.
In this context, European diplomats quoted by Politico say that a possible compromise is taking shape.
Trump would support Ukraine more strongly, in exchange for European involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic area for global energy transport, affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that discussions with the American president offer “a certain sense of optimism“, although diplomats warn that Trump’s positions can be unpredictable.
Initially, Trump’s statements generated concerns among allies, especially after he suggested that a deal with Iran would allow him to focus on peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Furthermore, a nearly one-hour phone conversation with Vladimir Putin has fueled fears that Washington could ease the pressure on Moscow.
In this tense context, European leaders feared a potential repositioning of the US to the detriment of Kiev’s interests.
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