Trump’s abrupt G7 exit leaves Ukraine in limbo as Zelenskyy’s hopes for U.S. support fade

The Guardian reported the information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled thousands of miles to the G7 summit, hoping to rally Western pressure on Russia and discuss major arms deals with the United States. Instead, he was met with disappointment when President Trump left the summit early, canceling their planned meeting and leaving Ukraine’s diplomatic team feeling sidelined. Trump’s decision, he said, was driven by the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

The U.S. also blocked a joint G7 statement on Ukraine, arguing that the proposed language was too harsh on Russia and could hinder negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Instead, references to the war were relegated to a statement from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the summit’s host.

Some Ukrainian officials now question whether it is worth attending next week’s NATO summit, given the uncertainty over Trump’s participation. “It is a permanent hazard that Ukraine is a victim of events and Trump’s short attention span. Vladimir Putin knows that, which may be why there was such a large attack in Ukraine last night,” one official remarked, referencing a recent Russian assault.

Zelenskyy, visibly downcast, avoided direct criticism of Trump but emphasized the urgent need for allied support: “We need the help of our allies for our soldiers to stay strong until Russia is ready for peace negotiations.” He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for an “unconditional ceasefire.”

The summit had been billed as a crucial opportunity for Ukraine to secure new U.S. arms deliveries and push for tougher measures against Russia, including a lower oil price cap to cut Moscow’s revenues. However, Trump expressed reluctance to impose further sanctions, telling European leaders they should “do it first” and warning that sanctions cost the U.S. “billions and billions of dollars.”

Meanwhile, European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, called for stronger action against Russia. The EU is preparing a new round of sanctions targeting Russian oil exports, with Kallas noting that previous measures have already cost Russia tens of billions in lost revenue.

As Zelenskyy continues to seek international support, the lack of clear U.S. commitment at the G7 summit has cast a shadow over Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts and raised fresh concerns about the West’s resolve in confronting Russian aggression.

• U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he needed to return to Washington from the G7 summit in Canada "as soon as possible" to deal with the situation in the Middle East.
• In a dramatic turn at the G7 summit in Canada, President Donald Trump left early, catching world leaders off guard and highlighting deep divisions between the U.S. and its allies.