**G7 Leaders Fail to Convince Trump on Russia Sanctions**
A dinner discussion among Group of Seven leaders on June 16 failed to shift U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on tougher sanctions against Russia, according to sources close to the talks.
The main topic of contention was the imposition of additional economic penalties on Russia in response to its ongoing aggression towards Ukraine. Trump has continued to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine but has refused to back further sanctions, citing concerns that they are too costly for the United States. Despite previously threatening to introduce more sanctions, Trump’s stance remains unchanged.
**G7 Statement Expected to Affirm Support for Ukraine**
A chair’s statement is expected from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, affirming G7 support for U.S.-led peace efforts in Ukraine. The statement will also highlight that Ukraine has demonstrated readiness for a ceasefire, while Russia has not, and emphasize the need for continued pressure on Moscow through sanctions.
In contrast to Trump’s reluctance, both the European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced new restrictions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors ahead of the summit. However, their efforts to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil have been met with opposition from the U.S., further highlighting the divisions within the group.
**Deadly Strikes on Ukraine Intensify Debate**
The debate over sanctions comes amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine, which have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction. Overnight, at least 14 people were killed in Kyiv in what President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “one of the most horrific attacks” since the start of the full-scale war.
Zelensky’s frustration with the international community is palpable, as he urged world leaders to take decisive action against Russia. “Such attacks are pure terrorism,” he said in a post on X after arriving in Canada for the G7 meeting. “And the whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists.”
**Uncertainty Surrounds Trump’s Reliability**
Zelensky was scheduled to meet with Trump on June 17 but was left disappointed when the U.S. president left the summit early, citing the crisis in the Middle East. European officials are now increasingly uncertain about Trump’s reliability and are working to reinforce security cooperation with other allies as U.S. support for Ukraine appears to be wavering.
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