G6 Leaders Conclude Summit Without Trump Participation \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Trump exited the G7 summit early as tensions flared in the Middle East and Ukraine. Remaining G6 leaders focused on Ukraine aid, AI regulation, and global mineral access. Zelenskyy pleaded for peace after deadly Russian strikes, while Trump demanded Iran surrender.
Quick Looks
- Trump departs early: Skips final G7 day as Iran crisis escalates.
- Zelenskyy’s plea: Ukraine’s leader urges peace and G7 support after deadly strikes.
- $2B Ukraine aid: Canada pledges new military support, including drones.
- No joint Russia statement: G6 fails to issue unified Ukraine war resolution.
- AI and minerals: Leaders agree to regulate AI and counter non-market mineral policies.
- Summit tension: Trump clashes with allies on Ukraine, Russia sanctions, trade.
- Awkward moments: Italian PM’s eye-roll, dropped documents add to summit drama.
- Trump delays sanctions: Won’t join G6 tariffs on Russia unless Europe leads.
Deep Look
G6 Leaders Attempt Unity as Trump Departs Early from Summit
As the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada wrapped up Tuesday, it did so without one of its central figures—U.S. President Donald Trump—who abruptly left early amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. In his absence, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Japan continued without him, transforming the G7’s final hours into what was effectively a G6 meeting.
Zelenskyy: “A Very Difficult Night” in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, joined by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, addressed the summit after a massive Russian missile barrage killed 15 and injured over 150 civilians. “Our families had a very difficult night,” Zelenskyy said. He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks, but emphasized, “We need pressure. We need support.”
Canada responded with a $2 billion aid package, funding drones and military technologies for Ukraine. Carney called the Russian attacks “a brutal reminder of why we must stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.”
No Joint Statement on Ukraine
Despite strong language and additional sanctions by some members, the G6 failed to release a joint statement specifically addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine—an omission made more glaring by Trump’s absence and dissent. The U.S. president had been scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy, but that was canceled when Trump left early to deal with the Iran-Israel conflict.
Iran Crisis Disrupts Agenda
The summit’s core agenda—addressing global challenges including AI, climate, and geopolitical flashpoints—was upended by Israel’s air campaign in Iran and retaliatory missile attacks. Trump declared an “unconditional surrender” was needed from Tehran and warned civilians in Iran’s capital to evacuate.
Before departing, Trump did sign a general statement with fellow G7 leaders asserting Iran must “never have a nuclear weapon” and supporting de-escalation in Gaza. The fact that any consensus was reached at all was considered a win, however modest, given the circumstances.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Trump’s presence had already cast a shadow over the summit, with his policy divergence on trade and Ukraine sparking discomfort among allies. He refused to join new tariffs imposed on Russia by Canada, Britain, and others, arguing that U.S. sanctions “cost a lot of money.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seated beside Trump during the final dinner, said consensus existed on the issued Iran statement, but acknowledged deeper policy rifts—particularly on Ukraine, where Trump again questioned Russia’s expulsion from the G7 and claimed the war would never have happened under his leadership.
Meloni’s Eye-Roll and Macron’s Whisper
Visual drama matched the diplomatic tension. In one widely circulated moment, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was caught rolling her eyes after French President Emmanuel Macron whispered something during a roundtable session. The awkwardness was reminiscent of the famous 2018 G7 photo featuring a tense exchange between Trump and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Trump Prioritizes Trade Grievances Over Unity
Even as geopolitical crises raged, Trump focused heavily on trade. He has imposed sweeping tariffs—50% on steel and aluminum, 25% on autos, and a 10% general import tax—with potential increases looming post-July 9. Despite this, he praised the U.K., announcing the finalization of a previously publicized trade framework with PM Starmer.
However, that announcement was overshadowed by a mishap in which Trump dropped the signed papers on the floor. Starmer retrieved them, later explaining that security restrictions meant no one else could safely approach Trump.
“If any of you had stepped forward other than me… it could’ve gone badly,” Starmer told reporters Tuesday.
A Summit Defined by Departures and Divisions
Though G7 summits aim to project unity among the world’s richest democracies, this year’s event underscored their differences. Trump’s exit symbolized a fractured Western alliance dealing with multiple crises: the Israel-Iran conflict, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and ongoing global trade friction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the G7 as “pale and quite useless” compared to forums like the G20, reflecting global skepticism of the group’s current influence.
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