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Local sources from United Kingdom: The Guardian, politico.eu.
UK coverage: Sky News.

In a move that has sparked wide concern and discussion among international observers, President Donald Trump’s early departure from the recent G7 summit has raised questions about the unity and future direction of support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The summit, which was initially poised to underscore collective Western backing for Ukraine, particularly its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, against Russian aggression, saw its focus significantly derailed by Trump’s unexpected exit. According to reports from The Guardian and Politico.eu, Trump’s decision not only circumvented a potential clash over Ukraine but also left the commitment to Kyiv in an ambiguous state.

Prior to his departure, Trump expressed hesitancy towards the imposition of new sanctions against Moscow, citing the financial burden such measures would impose on the United States. Additionally, he lamented Russia’s exclusion from the group, which further complicated the summit’s efforts to present a unified stance against Russian hostility. Trump’s early exit was ostensibly to address the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, specifically the Israel-Iran tensions, which he deemed more pressing. However, his absence from discussions that were crucial for Ukraine has led to significant frustration and disappointment among Ukrainian diplomats.

In lieu of Trump’s participation, the G7 summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, decided against issuing a joint statement. Instead, a ‘chair’s summary’ was released, highlighting the G7 leaders’ endorsement of Trump’s peace efforts in Ukraine and calling for Russia to adhere to an unconditional ceasefire. While the summary attempted to reflect a consensus among the G7 leaders, especially regarding Ukraine, it notably skirted around issuing a direct joint declaration on measures against Russia, underscoring the challenge of achieving a unified position in the face of Trump’s controversial stance.

The Guardian specifically pointed out the disillusionment felt by Ukrainian officials, who had anticipated more decisive support and discussions on weapon sales to Ukraine. The absence of a prioritized meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, as well as the vetoing of a joint statement on Ukraine to avoid antagonizing Russia, has left Ukraine pondering the reliability of seeking support from the US at such international forums.

The situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the delicate balance of interests that global leaders must navigate. As the G7 summit concluded without a clear path forward for Ukraine, the international community remains watchful of the evolving dynamics and the potential implications for global geopolitical stability.