G7 leaders reaffirm Ukraine support and discuss Middle East, China and AI at French summit

Leaders of the Group of Seven gathered in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, where they pledged continued backing for Ukraine. They promised to speed up delivery of air‑defence systems, increase energy‑infrastructure aid and consider licences for weapons production, while tightening sanctions on Russia.

The summit also addressed the Middle East, announcing a U.S.–Iran framework that would curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief. Discussions on China highlighted concerns about its state‑subsidised economic model, though no joint measures were adopted.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with tech executives and officials debating how to advance AI use while limiting risks, including new U.S. restrictions on foreign access to advanced models and child‑online‑safety safeguards.

U.S. President Donald Trump took a more cooperative tone, saying Russia must make peace with Ukraine, which generated optimism among fellow leaders. German Minister Friedrich Merz praised Trump’s remarks, describing the atmosphere as “very cooperative”. Additional sanctions targeting Russian oil exports, banking and military production were also discussed.