Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
After unveiling a preliminary agreement with Iran aimed at ending months of conflict in the Gulf, the US president told fellow world leaders that his attention would now turn to Ukraine.
The G7 summit opened in the lakeside French town of Evian-les-Bains as world leaders confronted a growing list of crises, from wars in Ukraine and rising uncertainty over the strength of long-standing international alliances.
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Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said commercial traffic had already begun moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The waterway had faced severe disruption during the conflict, creating concerns over global oil supplies and increasing pressure on energy markets.
UKRAINE MOVES TO THE TOP OF THE AGENDA
With the Iran agreement now moving towards formal implementation, Trump indicated that ending the war in Ukraine would be his next major objective.
“We had a very good conversation yesterday with President Zelenskiy and President Putin, and I think maybe we can do something there. I really do. I think they’re both open to it,” Trump told reporters.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts to end the war have struggled to gain momentum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the summit hoping to secure additional political and military backing from Western allies as Russia continues its campaign against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said he had offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit in an effort to advance peace talks. According to the Ukrainian leader, Moscow was not prepared for such a meeting.
The conflict remains one of the most pressing issues facing G7 leaders. Ukraine continues to seek military assistance as Russian attacks persist, particularly around Kyiv and other major cities.
For many leaders attending the summit, Trump’s willingness to re-engage directly with both Kyiv and Moscow will be closely watched in the coming days.
LEADERS WELCOME PEACE EFFORTS BUT REMAIN CAUTIOUS
Although several world leaders welcomed signs of progress in the Gulf, many arrived at the summit with lingering concerns about Washington’s broader approach to international affairs.
Trump’s recent policy decisions have unsettled some allies, particularly in Europe, where governments have struggled to adapt to abrupt shifts in US foreign policy. Questions over America’s long-term commitment to traditional alliances remain a recurring theme among many G7 members.
The atmosphere was further complicated by fresh trade tensions before the summit even began.
Trump warned that the United States could impose 100 percent tariffs on French wine if France refuses to remove its digital tax on major American technology companies.
The threat added another layer of friction to a meeting already dominated by discussions about war, trade and economic security.
NEW FRONT ON TRADE AND IMMIGRATION
Shortly before arriving in France, Trump reignited debate over immigration with a social media post that drew attention across Europe. Meanwhile, Macron sought to ease concerns over escalating trade disputes and defended economic cooperation among major Western economies.
“Tariffs don’t do anyone any good, especially tariffs between G7 countries,” Macron said.
The French President is hosting leaders at a time when Europe faces increasing pressure from geopolitical conflicts, energy uncertainty and economic competition from China.
Beyond Ukraine and the Middle East, G7 leaders are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, global supply chains and efforts to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
Yet the summit’s political focus remains centred on war and diplomacy.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
