Bhubaneswar: Fresh from claiming credit for a landmark ceasefire between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump arrived at the G7 summit portraying himself as a peacemaker. But European leaders quickly shifted attention to another unresolved conflict – Russia's war in Ukraine – pressing Trump to translate his diplomatic ambitions into concrete action against Moscow.

After announcing what he described as a major breakthrough that ended the three-and-a-half-month conflict involving Iran, Trump signaled that his focus would now move elsewhere.

"Iran will soon be back in the rearview mirror," Trump told reporters, suggesting that the Middle East crisis had been largely contained and that attention could now return to Europe.

The message was welcomed but also tested by America's allies.

As per France 24 news report, Leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy used the G7 summit to urge Washington to intensify efforts to end the war in Ukraine, now well into its fifth year since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined G7 leaders for a special session where discussions focused on increasing pressure on Russia through tougher sanctions, particularly targeting Moscow's oil and natural gas revenues.

Quoting diplomatic sources, France 24 reports, leaders agreed on the need for stronger economic measures against Russia and reiterated support for additional air-defense systems and military assistance for Kyiv.

The push came as Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks in recent months, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at major Ukrainian cities, killing at least 11 people and underscoring the urgency of the conflict.

Europe Wants Action, Not Promises

European leaders see Trump's renewed interest in Ukraine as an opportunity but remain cautious.

During the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of returning to office. Months later, negotiations remain stalled, and Trump has acknowledged the challenge is far greater than anticipated.

At the summit, Trump called the war "ridiculous" and lamented the continuing loss of life.

"I'm going to do whatever I can," he said.

The United Kingdom sought to reinforce the pressure campaign by unveiling fresh sanctions against Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of vessels used to transport oil and gas while circumventing Western restrictions.

Iran Deal Gives Trump Diplomatic Momentum

The Iran ceasefire nevertheless dominated conversations on the sidelines of the summit.

Trump held separate meetings with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and is scheduled to meet UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as regional leaders sought to consolidate the fragile truce.

French President Emmanuel Macron invited Gulf leaders to participate in parts of the summit, reflecting concerns over regional stability and global energy markets.

Trump argued that lingering tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon risked undermining what he views as a major diplomatic achievement with Iran.

"It throws a negative light on the big deal. And that's the deal with Iran," he said.

A Defining Test for Trump's Foreign Policy

For Trump, the G7 summit marks a transition from claiming success in the Middle East to confronting the far more complex challenge of ending Europe's largest war since World War II.

While the Iran ceasefire has provided the White House with a diplomatic victory, European allies are making clear that their priority remains Ukraine. Their message to Trump is straightforward: if he can broker peace in the Gulf, they want to see similar urgency applied to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The coming weeks may determine whether Trump's self-styled image as a dealmaker can extend beyond the Middle East and into the conflict that continues to shape Europe's security landscape.

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