Ukraine has been granted a rare strategic window of opportunity in its war with Russia, owing to the success of its drones, the stabilization of the front lines, and the expansion of cooperation with European partners. It is with these positions that Kyiv approaches the G7 summit, where it hopes to persuade US President Donald Trump to pay more attention to Ukraine. This is reported by Politico.
The article states that Ukrainian forces have gained an advantage due to significant technological advancements, the front line has largely stabilized, and for the first time since 2023, Kyiv has reclaimed more territory than it has lost. All of this has given Ukraine what it has long lacked: time.
“This could present allies with a rare chance at the upcoming G7 summit to persuade Trump that he must give more attention to the war and to push partners to close critical gaps—from air defense to long-range weapons—before Russia launches its next offensive,” the publication writes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to capitalize on this more optimistic outlook by intensifying diplomatic contacts with the US and Europe, while simultaneously urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war. Zelensky’s main challenge, as noted by journalists, is how to increase Western support to a degree that compels Russia to negotiate in good faith.
A senior White House official told the publication that the current situation is no longer reminiscent of events from two years ago.
“There’s an understanding that the situation is not as hot as it was. There are localized skirmishes. But it’s not what it was two years ago or even a year ago,” he said.
Europe Bears the Main Burden of Support
European diplomats expect the G7 summit, which begins on Monday, to serve as a platform for demonstrating unity around Ukraine.
“Europeans are currently providing almost 100% of the aid to Ukraine, but it is crucial that our G7 partners, especially the United States, continue to contribute or at least do not weaken their support further,” said a diplomat from a major EU country.
The publication recalled that the EU has already covered Ukraine’s financial needs for the coming months with a €90 billion loan. However, Kyiv is requesting at least an additional €20 billion to consolidate its battlefield successes against Russia.
“Everyone sees that Russia is burning, and we want it to burn even stronger, but for that, we need funding,” stated a high-ranking representative of the Ukrainian defense establishment.
Will Zelensky and Trump Meet?
World leaders, including Trump, will meet with Zelensky during a two-hour session in the French town of Évian-les-Bains, where the G7 summit will be held. At the same time, journalists noted, it is not yet clear whether Trump and Zelensky will have a separate bilateral meeting. A White House representative said such a meeting is not on the schedule, while a Ukrainian official indicated it could still be organized.
One of the primary concerns for Ukraine and its allies is the future of peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, particularly the involvement of the US. It is known that the United States has stepped back from an active role, focusing on the crisis concerning Iran. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister stated on the eve of the G7 summit that Kyiv still views Washington as the main mediator in the negotiations.
As noted, Ukraine now wants to see European leaders among the participants of the negotiation process. However, the question of who exactly will represent Europe remains a subject of sharp and inconclusive discussions.
Ukraine Critically Needs Patriot Missiles
It is noted that despite Ukraine’s successes, Russia is still capable of inflicting serious damage on the country and its infrastructure. Zelensky stated that Ukraine uses 60 to 70 interceptor missiles monthly. This is more than what the American company Raytheon, the manufacturer of these systems, produces.
Ukraine seeks US permission to produce Patriot interceptor missiles on its territory and is asking Germany to transfer dozens of such missiles from its stockpiles in exchange for those Kyiv will produce later, the publication reminded.
“Zelensky has made it clear that he needs more missiles,” said a White House representative.
US Focused on Iran
Politico pointed out that in terms of negotiations, Washington is currently largely focused on the Middle East. Specifically, Trump’s representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are simultaneously dealing with both the issue of Iran and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
However, despite regular contacts with the Ukrainian side, the White House does not expect rapid diplomatic breakthroughs. The publication recalled that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously admitted that American attempts to help achieve a peaceful settlement have effectively reached a stalemate.
Ukraine Bets on Joint Drone Production
One of Kyiv’s main arguments at the G7 summit could be the successful experience of cooperation with European countries in the field of drones.
Last year, Ukraine proposed a large-scale joint drone production program to the US, but the Trump administration reacted cautiously to this idea. In contrast, with other partners, journalists noted, Kyiv has made significant progress.
For instance, British companies are expected to deliver 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year as part of already concluded contracts. In May, a similar agreement for the production and supply of drones was concluded with Canada.
Furthermore, the German defense concern Rheinmetall and other European missile manufacturers have initiated joint projects with Ukrainian enterprises in the field of missiles and armored vehicles.
Europe Seeks a Path to Negotiations with Russia
The publication also draws attention to the fact that some European states have begun cautiously resuming direct contacts with Moscow. One such signal was the meeting of the ambassadors of Great Britain, Germany, and France with Russian representatives in Moscow.
However, within the EU itself, there is no unified position on creating a permanent negotiation format with the Kremlin. It also remains unclear whether Vladimir Putin is ready for negotiations with the participation of European leaders.
Sanctions Against Russia
Ukraine continues to urge partners to increase economic pressure on Moscow. The European Union has already adopted its 20th package of sanctions but has postponed one of the most sensitive measures—a ban on the transportation of Russian oil tankers. According to journalists, European countries hope to receive US support for this step precisely during the G7 summit.
However, Washington has demonstrated a different approach recently. The US has provided Russia with certain sanctions reliefs and continues to issue temporary permits for specific oil operations, citing the need to stabilize global markets amid tensions surrounding Iran.
Other Important Summits Ahead
The G7 summit will be just the first stage of an intensive diplomatic season for Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, the Ukraine Recovery Conference will be held in Gdańsk, Poland.
Next is the NATO summit planned in Ankara, where the issue of supporting Ukraine and increasing defense spending will be one of the key points.
After that, French President Emmanuel Macron will host a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”—states ready to participate in ensuring Ukraine’s security after the war ends.
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