Russian senior diplomat and longtime foreign policy aide
G7 leaders have pledged tougher sanctions and increased military and industrial support for Ukraine after meetings in Evian; President Trump has signalled renewed engagement with Kyiv. Russia has launched heavy missile and drone strikes that have damaged Kyiv’s Kyiv‑Pechersk Lavra and hit civilian areas, and rescuers in Kharkiv have been killed.
Trump has discussed a possible cease-fire with Putin for the Victory Day period, with the Kremlin saying the talks were friendly and business-like. Both leaders have signaled openness to a pause in fighting around May 9, though Kyiv has not yet weighed in, and Moscow has pared back Victory Day celebrations this year.
Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, with a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners from each side, following dialogues with Putin and Zelensky. The accord is described as mediated by the US, with further talks ongoing to end the conflict.
Ukraine’s position is strengthening as leaders at the Evian G7 summit press for a decisive response to Russia’s strikes. Zelensky has urged a substantive outcome while Trump and Putin discuss diplomacy and Iran. The summit opens with a push to end hostilities and secure a peace framework, with EU partners signaling support for Kyiv.