Zelensky Opens the Curtain on Future Talks with Trump During G7 Summit: Will New Sanctions Against Russia Be Imposed Soon?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently revealed the priorities of the Ukrainian delegation for the upcoming G7 summit, which will take place from June 15 to 17 this year. According to him, one of the main issues he plans to discuss with his US counterpart – Donald Trump – is the prospects for implementing new sanctions against Russia. Although a final decision on sanctions has not yet been made, the Ukrainian leader hopes to clarify how ready the United States is to advance such an initiative and how close potential steps in this direction might be. Zelensky shared this information in a comment to the "Ukrinform" agency, highlighting that for Ukraine, the importance lies not only in independent actions but also in the level of coordination with international partners. "I hope that even if, by the time of our meeting, the relevant decisions regarding sanctions have not yet been adopted, I will still be able to achieve a clear understanding of how close we are to their implementation," he emphasized. The Ukrainian president noted that the final decision on introducing new restrictive measures would remain with the Trump administration. At the same time, he underlined that an essential part of the process is coordinating positions with European Union countries, which are also actively working on forming sanctions packages against Moscow. Zelensky is convinced that this tandem of diplomatic efforts is already a step forward in fighting Russian aggression and demonstrates the unity of the global community in the effort to counter the Kremlin's threats. Recall that the G7 leaders' summit is scheduled for June 15-17, and the Ukrainian government confirmed that it has received an official invitation to participate in this year's event. As part of the summit preparation, Ukrainian diplomats and officials are focused on establishing contacts with leading world leaders, particularly with Trump, with whom a separate meeting is planned. According to the presidential office, it is important for Ukraine to demonstrate unity and solidarity in opposing Russian aggression and to gain support in the area of sanctions policy. Sources from the spokespersons and diplomatic circles report that organizing a meeting between Zelensky and Trump is currently among Ukraine’s diplomatic priorities, and there is hope that such talks will help activate joint efforts to curb Russian influence and apply pressure through sanctions on the Kremlin. Overall, the period leading up to the G7 summit is usually characterized by intense diplomatic activity, and Ukraine is no exception. It is important that, in this context, the President maintains close contact with allies and key international players, striving to secure maximum support for his positions on sanctions and security issues. Clearly, Zelensky’s expressed interest in regulating sanctions during the meeting with Trump is a crucial component of bilateral foreign policy aimed at long-term resistance to Russian threats. In general, the Ukrainian leader leaves open questions regarding future scenarios — from the pace of sanctions adoption to potential support from the US and the European Union. All of these factors will be decisive in shaping the future of the international sanctions regime and further strengthening Ukraine's position in its fight for independence and security.