Leaders of the Group of Seven, meeting in Évian-les-Bains, France, issued a joint declaration pledging to intensify military support for Ukraine and tighten sanctions on Russia. The statement, endorsed by US President Donald Trump, commits members to “increase the supply of air defence systems, additional interceptors, and long-range capabilities” and to consider granting licences that would allow Ukraine to expand its own military production. On the sidelines, Trump signalled readiness to reimpose sanctions on Russian oil exports that Washington had suspended until mid-June, a move European diplomats described as a significant diplomatic pivot after months in which the Iran crisis had overshadowed the Ukraine file.

Viewed from Washington, the shift reflects a recalibration of priorities now that a ceasefire with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have eased immediate energy-security pressures. US officials also point to Ukraine’s recent battlefield momentum and Kyiv’s offer to assist Gulf states against Iranian drones during Operation Epic Fury as factors reinforcing the administration’s willingness to re-engage. Trump, however, continues to insist that European allies must bear the principal military and financial burden, consistent with his “America First” doctrine. European governments, led by France, used the summit to urge the US president to break the diplomatic deadlock by hosting direct talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky, while welcoming the G7’s renewed backing, simultaneously pursued an alternative diplomatic channel. In a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Ukrainian leader requested Brazil’s mediation with Moscow and, according to a Ukrainian presidential adviser, accepted Lula’s proposal to contact the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Brazilian government sources indicated that Kyiv’s interest stems from Lula’s trusted relationship with Putin, which distinguishes him from many Western leaders. Moscow’s initial reaction was dismissive: a foreign ministry spokeswoman described Zelensky as trying to present himself as “the centre of the universe,” and a senior Russian lawmaker accused him of seeking to manipulate Lula. The Kremlin has not yet formally responded to the mediation offer.

The G7’s Ukraine focus unfolded against a backdrop of allied concern over reports that the Pentagon intends to reduce strategic assets dedicated to NATO, including bombers, fighter jets, and submarines. Analysts in London note that any perceived weakening of the US commitment to the alliance could undermine the deterrent effect of the new sanctions and arms pledges. Lula, for his part, stated after the summit that Western sponsors of Kyiv are showing fatigue and that he would again speak with all five UN Security Council permanent members. A bilateral meeting between Putin and Lula is not currently scheduled, but Brazilian officials do not rule out talks on the margins of the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September. The US decision on reimposing oil sanctions is expected in the coming weeks, while implementation of the G7’s military supply commitments will be closely watched as a test of the alliance’s sustained resolve.