French President Emmanuel Macron has officially invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to participate in the upcoming G7 summit in Évian, France, starting on June 15. According to the French publication Le Monde, Macron’s invitation aims to restore a unified consensus among G7 leaders regarding comprehensive support for Ukraine, bridging emerging gaps between European allies and US President Donald Trump.
The summit comes at a pivotal geopolitical juncture. European leaders are increasingly eager to take the initiative in potential negotiations to end the war, seeking to coordinate their diplomatic strategies closely with Washington. Macron emphasized that Zelenskyy’s presence is vital for addressing different aspects of the conflict, including defense needs and the parameters of future peace talks.
Beyond the war in Ukraine, the Évian summit will address other pressing global crises. Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have also been invited, with discussions set to focus heavily on the Middle East. The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a scenario that could trigger a massive spike in global oil prices and severely impact the global economy—remains a major point of concern. Additionally, leaders will discuss the ongoing security challenges posed by Iran, which continues to deepen its military cooperation with Moscow.
For Ukraine, the summit offers an essential platform for high-level bilateral diplomacy. Ukrainian MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi confirmed that while leaders’ schedules are still being finalized, Kyiv is actively seeking direct engagement with the US delegation. Ukrainian officials have hinted at efforts to secure “major news” during the summit, particularly regarding air defense reinforcements. With Russia continuing its missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, securing advanced air defense systems remains Kyiv’s top priority. The Évian summit will thus serve as a critical test of whether the G7 can maintain a cohesive front in supporting Ukraine amidst shifting political dynamics in the West.