"Now that (Iran) is over, we can focus on that (Ukraine)," were the words with which Donald Trump decided to join the roundtable for peace and security in Ukraine, orchestrated by the European leaders of the G-7 in Evian, with the presence of Volodimir Zelenski and the hope of involving the American president in a renewed push for negotiations with Moscow.
Trump acknowledged having had "a good conversation" over the phone with Zelenski and Putin on his birthday and admitted upon arriving in Evian: "I think we can do something". President Macron's commitment as the summit host was precisely to shift the focus from Iran to Ukraine, taking advantage of the new approach to Trump after the transatlantic tensions of recent months.
It is expected that the American president will respond in Evian to the joint initiative of France, the UK, Germany, and Italy for a direct negotiation round between Kiev and Moscow, with the presence of both European and American delegates.
The long wait before Trump's arrival at the Ukraine meeting illustrates the backdrop of the summit. European leaders spent over half an hour talking among themselves until Trump burst in, warmly welcomed by Chancellor Friedrich Mez, ready to give him a German national football team jersey.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was particularly effusive with Zelenski upon his arrival at the Royal Hotel in Evian, the venue for the G-7 meetings. "Kyiv has fulfilled its part, now it's up to the EU", declared Von der Leyen, a day after the start of talks for the integration of Ukraine (and Moldova) into the European Union.
"Ukraine has not only held the line but has even partially regained territory", added the President of the European Commission. "On the other hand, Russia is enduring tension and pressure: our sanctions are having a profound impact."
Zelenski acknowledged having challenged Putin to a meeting within the framework of the G-7 in Evian, but the Russian president ruled out the possibility. According to 'The New York Times', American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are planning a visit to Moscow soon. Meanwhile, Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dimitrie, stated that economic discussions with the US will continue throughout June for the return of American companies to the Russian market.
On the second day of the summit, which will conclude on Wednesday, the agreement between the US and Iran for the cessation of hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was once again on the table in a special meeting with delegates from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, aiming to outline a roadmap for peace and stability in the Middle East.