Zelensky meets Trump, Macron at G7 as leaders agree to boost Ukraine air defenses

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What's Happening

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit in France on June 16, their first engagement in over four months, as Kyiv intensifies a push for a diplomatic settlement. The meeting followed a weekend of direct calls in which Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin each spoke separately with Trump, with Zelensky signaling a willingness to freeze the current front line to move the conflict to a diplomatic track. The diplomatic activity surrounds a steady Russian campaign of long-range strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and civilian areas, including an attack that damaged a historic cathedral in Kyiv and struck the Chernobyl nuclear site, as the war passes the total duration of World War I. The G7 leaders also agreed to increase supplies of air defense systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine, including longer-range capabilities.

How We Got Here

In January 2024, Russia's Finance Ministry raised value-added tax from 20% to 22%, directing the extra revenue to defense and security. Eight months later, in August 2024, incendiary drones sparked a major fire at a cooling tower of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant; Ukraine accused Russia of self-sabotage, while Russia blamed Ukraine for the attack. The conflict then saw deepening international engagement, as President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a security and defense cooperation declaration in January 2025, formalizing broader bilateral support. Through 2025, the war continued to evolve: Ukraine reported that Russia struck the Chernobyl shelter with a drone in February, Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Kyiv in September to spotlight Ukraine's hardships, and by December, Zelensky expressed openness to a demilitarized zone in Donetsk as part of a potential compromise. European military transfers to Ukraine grew by 67% in 2025, and financial and humanitarian assistance rose by 59%, nearly offsetting a steep drop in U.S. aid, according to the Kiel Institute. By January 2026, Russia's military operation in Ukraine had surpassed the duration of the Soviet Union's involvement in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. As the war entered its fourth year, diplomatic efforts intensified. President Zelensky instructed his team to organize a leaders-level summit in Geneva, aiming for a breakthrough on territorial issues. Hungary vetoed a 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine, citing damage to the Druzhba pipeline and energy security concerns. In a striking escalation of rhetoric, Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had already started a Third World War. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for immediate deployment of UK and allied troops to peaceful Ukrainian regions in non-combat roles to influence Putin. Zelensky also sought U.S. congressional involvement in long-term security guarantees, emphasizing the need for institutional backing that would outlast presidential terms. Meanwhile, the UK's Keir Starmer announced that Britain and France would lead peacekeeping forces in the event of a ceasefire, signaling European readiness to provide security assurances. In February 2026, the territorial dimensions of the conflict came to the forefront. Zelensky rejected Russian demands for Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, warning that abandoning hundreds of thousands of people could fracture Ukrainian society. Citizens and veterans in Kyiv expressed resistance to a peace agreement perceived as unfair, insisting on continuing to fight rather than cede territory. The Dutch defense minister stated that Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to Europe, while the Dutch government pledged continued support with budgeted funding. The European Union failed to reach agreement on a new sanctions package and a large loan for Ukraine amid disputes over oil supplies. President Putin, in a video address marking a Soviet holiday on February 23, called for a large-scale military buildup and the total militarization of society. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, publicly pressured Ukraine by insisting the war could end by spring and removing some military aid, eroding Western unity that had held through the first three years of the conflict. On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, February 24, 2026, G7 leaders including President Trump issued a joint statement reiterating unwavering support for Ukraine. The UK announced a package of military, humanitarian, and reconstruction support worth tens of millions of pounds. The same day, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that Britain and France were preparing to arm Ukraine with a nuclear bomb or dirty bomb, an allegation the French government dismissed as baseless. Dmitry Medvedev threatened nuclear strikes against Ukraine and supplier countries if such a transfer occurred. President Trump cut aid to Ukraine and sought a ceasefire at any cost, breaking the previous unity between the U.S. and Europe, according to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that setting a specific date for Ukraine's EU accession was impossible, praising reforms but citing procedural constraints. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not unilaterally withdraw from Donetsk, saying it would violate the constitution and give Russia a springboard for future attacks. As March 2026 began, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically when the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with massed ballistic missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases and allied territories. Lebanon entered the war on Iran's side, prompting Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. Ukraine's foreign ministry expressed support for the U.S.-led strikes, citing Iran's supply of drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. Zelensky stated it was just to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of their government. The U.S. requested and received Ukrainian expertise to counter Iranian Shahed drones, and Ukraine sent over 200 specialists to assist in defending U.S. military bases. Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems opened its first UK plant to boost production. The U.S. and Gulf countries negotiated to purchase Ukrainian drone-interceptor systems. This period marked an unusual expansion of Ukraine's role beyond its own conflict, with its battlefield experience proving valuable in the Middle East. On March 5 and 6, 2026, Russia and Ukraine conducted a major prisoner exchange, with Ukraine returning 200 military personnel as part of an agreement reached in Geneva. Russia confirmed the exchange of 300 personnel per side, mediated by the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Hungary summoned Ukraine's ambassador to protest the conscription of two ethnic Hungarians, while President Putin promised to release two Hungarian citizens who had served in Ukraine's Armed Forces. Putin also signed a decree indefinitely extending a simplified Russian citizenship process in Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine. The Dutch prime minister made his first official visit to Kyiv, and Romania and Ukraine signed an agreement to jointly produce defense systems, including drones. Zelensky met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, and signed a 10-year defense partnership with Qatar. Meanwhile, the European Commission attempted to accelerate Ukraine's EU accession, with Ukraine reporting 84% completion of its Association Agreement in 2025. Throughout March and April 2026, the European Union grappled with providing financial support to Ukraine. The EU ambassadors reached consensus on a 20th sanctions package against Russia, but Hungary and Slovakia blocked final approval over oil supply disputes. The European Commission announced a 1.5 billion euro defense industry program to integrate Ukraine's defense sector. In early April, Ukraine's parliament passed laws required for EU funding and IMF reforms, but missed the IMF deadline to pass four new taxes, passing only one. Putin declared a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter weekend, which held but saw mutual violation claims. Ukraine repaired the damaged Druzhba pipeline, and Hungary subsequently lifted its veto on a 90-billion-euro loan. On April 22, EU diplomats gave preliminary approval, and by April 23, the European Union formally approved the 90-billion-euro loan and the 20th sanctions package against Russia, concluding weeks of diplomatic deadlock. The EU also adopted sanctions on two Russian entities for alleged disinformation, which Moscow denied. April 2026 also saw significant progress on the legal front. The special tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine passed the critical threshold of 16 Council of Europe states required to become operational. Greece notified its intention to join, becoming the 22nd state. EU ambassadors agreed that the bloc should join the Council of Europe special tribunal. Meanwhile, a diplomatic row erupted between Ukraine and Israel over a ship carrying grain that Ukraine claimed was stolen by Russia. Israel initially allowed the vessel to dock, but after Ukrainian protests and EU intervention, the Israeli company turned the ship away. President Zelensky warned of sanctions against those profiting from the shipments. In late April, Trump and Putin held a 90-minute phone call discussing a possible ceasefire in Ukraine and Iran nuclear issues. Putin proposed a ceasefire on Victory Day, May 9. The Pentagon withheld $400 million in approved Ukraine aid due to corruption concerns. Ukraine extended martial law through early August 2026. At the start of May 2026, President Zelensky announced a major army reform, aiming to address infantry shortages, improve pay for combat roles, and enable phased demobilization starting June. The reform was framed as a systemic transformation of Ukraine's armed forces. On May 9, a three-day ceasefire brokered by President Trump prevented major attacks during Russia's Victory Day parade, though both sides reported violations. Putin stated he was ready for direct talks with Zelensky only if Zelensky traveled to Moscow or if a peace agreement was concluded first. He also proposed that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder act as a mediator between Russia and Europe. The proposal was swiftly rejected by the German government, EU foreign policy chief, and Ukraine, with officials stating that Europe would choose its own negotiator. On May 14, a Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed at least 21 people and injured over 50. Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes deep into Russian territory, including on an oil refinery. On May 15, 2026, Ukraine and Russia conducted another prisoner exchange, returning 205 Ukrainian citizens. The same day, the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers approved the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, with 37 states endorsing the agreement. The tribunal will be based in The Hague. The European Commission announced plans to transfer 9.1 billion euros to Ukraine in June, including 5.9 billion for defense. Ukraine's parliament approved the loan agreement for the 90-billion-euro EU assistance. EU foreign ministers rejected Putin's suggestion for Schröder, asserting Europe would decide its own negotiator. Russia issued a warning to foreign embassies in Kyiv, urging evacuation, citing planned strikes on decision-making centers. Nearly 50 countries condemned the threats at the United Nations. The German embassy stated it would continue normal operations in Kyiv, along with other European missions. The EU High Representative Kaja Kallas claimed the U.S. embassy left Ukraine, but Ukraine's foreign ministry denied that claim, stating it did not reflect reality. Late May 2026 saw rising diplomatic tension between Ukraine and Poland. President Zelensky attended the state reburial of Ukrainian nationalist leader Andriy Melnyk and named a special forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, drawing strong criticism from Poland. Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced he would seek to revoke Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest honor, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of a more transactional approach. Nearly 40 right-wing MEPs called for revoking Zelensky's European Parliament Order of Merit. In early June, Ukraine sent chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov to Warsaw for crisis talks. Meanwhile, the EU proposed its 21st sanctions package against Russia, including measures on energy prices, entry bans, and shadow fleet vessels. Bulgaria's new government announced a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine, arguing that the war will not be resolved on the battlefield. On May 27, nearly 50 countries condemned Russia's threats against diplomatic institutions in Kyiv at the United Nations. On June 4, President Zelensky issued a public letter to Putin calling for direct face-to-face negotiations in a neutral country, proposing a ceasefire and an all-for-all prisoner exchange. Putin dismissed the offer on June 5, stating he saw no point in meeting. On June 7, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Zelensky in London, where they agreed that the current line of contact should be the starting point for talks, that Ukraine should have legally binding security guarantees including a multinational force, and that frozen Russian assets would remain immobilized. Zelensky stated in an interview that he would agree to freeze the front line and move to a diplomatic track. On June 11, E3 ambassadors met Russian officials in Moscow to endorse the call for direct negotiations. On June 14, Zelensky and Trump discussed a potential meeting format in a phone call; Putin also called Trump. The EU adopted a mini sanctions package on June 15, targeting individuals and entities linked to Russia's military complex. On June 16, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to impose new sanctions on Russia ahead of the G7 summit. At the summit, Zelensky met with Trump and Macron for their first engagement in over four months, and the leaders agreed to increase supplies of air defense systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine, including longer-range capabilities.

Timeline

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