United States drops neutral mediator role on Ukraine, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the United States has officially abandoned its role as a neutral mediator in the Ukraine war, formally supporting Kyiv’s territorial integrity, military assistance, energy aid and sanctions on Russia. The statement was linked to a joint G7 declaration, and Macron noted that former President Donald Trump privately encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to act more boldly.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is seeking clarification on the United States’ new position after the G7 summit, noting that Washington has not yet communicated its conclusions. Lavrov also referenced the 2022 “spirit of Anchorage” talks between Trump and Vladimir Putin, claiming they were “buried” at the G7.

Within Russia, nationalist hard‑liners are using the shift to demand that President Vladimir Putin abandon diplomacy and intensify the war, with some calling for full mobilisation, strikes on Kyiv, and even the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons. The Kremlin, however, has so far resisted these pressures, maintaining that diplomatic options remain open while continuing its military campaign.