Trump and Europe Find Common Ground on Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, leaders had expected clashes with U.S. President Donald Trump over Ukraine and Iran. Instead, after the first day of talks, European officials described a noticeably warmer atmosphere and signs of convergence with Washington, according to a Politico report.

The emerging understanding would see Trump intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the war in Ukraine, something he has avoided so far, while European states help the United States carry out a ceasefire deal with Iran and deal with security in the Strait of Hormuz. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the formal and informal talks with Trump gave him "a certain degree of optimism," though diplomats warned not to expect too much because Trump has changed positions on Ukraine before.

Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for about 70 minutes and later said the United States would restore sanctions on Russia’s oil sector. "Russia must reach an agreement," he said. Zelensky said the G7 leaders agreed that Russia is not winning the war, and that the talks also covered possible new sanctions on Russian oil exports, banking, and the military manufacturing sector. Two European diplomats said Zelensky showed Trump photos of damage from a recent Russian strike in Kyiv, and one of them said the images may have had a positive psychological effect on Trump.

On Iran, Trump told allies privately that he wants European political and logistical help, especially for clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz. While he said publicly that the United States would not need much assistance, diplomats said he was asking for support from G7 countries and others. Canada and Germany have already approved sending mine-clearing ships, and Emmanuel Macron said such a mission would require a U.S. request and the agreement of Iran and Oman. European leaders also worry that the 60-day negotiating window with Tehran may not produce a strong deal or address Iran’s ballistic missile program.