Evian: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Tuesday that the US and Europe are moving toward a common approach on Ukraine, following discussions with President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Evian, France. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Merz said European leaders' exchanges with Trump on Ukraine were constructive, raising hopes for a coordinated approach to the next phase of support for Kyiv.

According to Anadolu Agency, Merz found Trump to be very cooperative and attentive during their discussions, which gave him a degree of optimism that both Europeans and Americans could work together to end the war. Merz emphasized that the conflict had entered a new phase, highlighting that sustained European military support has bolstered Ukraine's position and demonstrated that Russia cannot win on the battlefield.

Merz also mentioned plans for Europeans to further increase economic pressure on Moscow through a new round of sanctions, aiming to force Russia back to the negotiating table. He quoted a summit participant who noted Russia's historical prowess in defense but lack of success in waging wars of aggression, suggesting that Trump is gradually becoming open to this assessment and is now collaborating with European leaders to find a resolution to the conflict.