Poland left out of G7 summit table as leaders discuss Ukraine, while Italy's Meloni says she quit smoking

Leaders of the G7 met in Evian, France, to discuss the war in Ukraine, European security and sanctions. Poland, a frontline NATO state, was not seated at the leaders' table because it is not a G7 member. Observers noted that the absence of Poland highlighted the limits of its influence despite its role in supporting Ukraine.

During informal talks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told reporters she had stopped smoking "a month ago" (since May 1). The comment prompted a brief exchange, with German leader Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British opposition leader Keir Starmer and Portuguese President António Costa also discussing their own experiences with quitting the habit.

The episode underscored the mix of high‑level policy deliberations and personal moments that characterize such multilateral gatherings.