Trump Says 'I'm the Boss' at G7; Ukraine Stance Warms

EU and G7 leaders Wednesday made a unified commitment to support Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia. US President Trump said at the meeting that "I'm the boss."

The statement came during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17, following a joint declaration that could further strengthen Ukraine's bargaining position in potential peace talks with Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky and his allies sought to convince Trump that Ukraine's counteroffensive is working and that Russia is unable to dictate terms in any peace deal.

The joint statement and leaders' comments showed Trump, after years of skepticism, is warming to Zelensky's arguments. French President Macron said this reflects a "real change of attitude" by the US on Ukraine and called the summit "a success." In contrast, last year's G7 in Canada failed to reach a common position on Ukraine.

Italian PM Meloni said leaders found "common ground" with Trump, "which is not always a given." Canadian PM Carney praised the US and Trump for the "change of stance."

Trump left last year's G7 a day early due to the Middle East, but this year he attended the full duration and was set to head to the Palace of Versailles for dinner later. Leaders were visibly relieved at the joint statements on Ukraine, AI, and critical minerals.

However, any prospect of forcing Moscow to the negotiating table still depends on Trump's commitments, which have often been elusive.

"I'm the boss," Trump told leaders and reporters as he took his seat at the global economic security meeting.

Trump's Iran Deal Sets Tone for Talks

G7 leaders also welcomed the preliminary peace deal between the US and Iran and expressed willingness to help implement it, but Trump made no concrete commitments on a possible role.

European allies worry the inexperienced US negotiating team may fail to secure a solid nuclear deal in the next phase or address Iran's ballistic missile program, leading to a prolonged standoff.

Meanwhile, Trump emphasized the MOU with Iran is not final and the US could resume bombing if commitments are not kept.

"If I don't like it, if they aren't honest, we'll start bombing again right away, dropping bombs right in the middle of their heads," he said.

Although European allies publicly support the preliminary deal, diplomats warn achieving a lasting agreement on Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and its support for proxy forces in the Middle East is no easy task.