At the G7 summit, Donald Trump urged the leaders of the “Group of Seven” to help the United States clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for support for Ukraine, Politico reports, citing sources.
In the public portion of his exchange with journalists, Trump said: “I don’t think we’ll need much help.” Behind closed doors, however, the US president took a “more flexible stance,” according to a source, seeking both political and practical support from G7 countries for the agreement reached with Iran.
“He [Trump] will need the capacities of his allies of the G7 and others … to clear Hormuz of mines,” the source told Politico. In return, “there’s got to be some give on Ukraine,”
“There’s a very strong expectation that he will stand by Ukraine. That’s what he told the leaders,” the source added.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the discussions held at the summit, including those involving Trump, “inspire a certain optimism.” This optimism toward the White House is shared by other leaders of the “Group of Seven,” Politico writes.
The G7 summit opened on June 16 in Évian, France. Zelensky has already met with Trump and Macron; Trump himself called the meeting a good one and promised that he would speak with the Ukrainian president again.
In a joint statement published after the first day, the “Group of Seven” leaders say they will increase arms deliveries to Ukraine and step up pressure on Russia’s war economy.
The G7 leaders also backed the agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz, concluded between Iran and the United States. Its signing is expected on June 19
