The atmosphere between the US delegation and Ukrainian representatives has markedly improved at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains. According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio embraced in front of cameras—a gesture reflecting a change in mood. Contrary to earlier White House plans, a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky is now even on the agenda.
Trump’s Changed Stance on Russia
Until recently, Ukraine was a side issue for Trump; the East and negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz took priority. Now that peace there seems within reach, Trump’s attention is turning back to other conflicts. After the summit, Trump said: “Russia should reach an agreement.” He pointed to the high losses on both sides and explained about his call with Putin: “It’s basically the same—they just keep fighting and losing soldiers.”
European leaders had hoped to bring Trump back to a pro-Ukraine course. Initial signs suggest this strategy is working. Ukraine is in a strong military position, gaining ground and putting pressure on the Russian aggressor—a factor favoring Trump’s reorientation.
Background and Outlook
The meeting in Évian marks a possible departure from Trump’s previous approach, under which only the US and Russia would decide Ukraine’s fate—an impression left by his 2025 meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Whether Trump will actually change course remains to be seen. The coming days will show whether the rapprochement between Washington and Kyiv is lasting.
EuroPulse reported on June 17, 2026, about the US primaries, where Trump’s power was tested in Oklahoma and Georgia (https://europulse.today/us-vorwahlen-trump-machtprobe-oklahoma-georgia/).
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
