Donald Trump has agreed with G7 leaders that Russia has shown no genuine willingness to enter serious peace negotiations over Ukraine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking after discussions among Western leaders, Macron said months of diplomatic efforts — including US attempts to open dialogue with Moscow — had failed to produce any meaningful response from the Kremlin.
“Several months have passed since the Americans took the initiative,” Macron said, praising Washington’s efforts to engage Russia. But he added that those attempts had delivered “no results” and that Moscow had failed to show a commitment to negotiations.
Macron said European leaders had also sought dialogue, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made clear he was prepared to hold direct talks to reach a settlement.
But, according to Macron, Russia’s response was effectively a refusal, with the Kremlin demanding Ukraine surrender before any discussions could begin.
The French president said Trump and G7 leaders had reached a shared conclusion that Moscow had demonstrated “no serious willingness” to negotiate.
The leaders also agreed that Ukraine had performed better on the battlefield than many had expected, while Russia was facing increasing difficulties.
“What happened? Nothing. And then Zelensky also said, ‘I am ready too. I am ready to hold full talks with Russia to reach an agreement with it.’ What did Putin reply? ‘No. I will not come. Or you must first surrender,'” Macron added.
Macron said the group had committed to strengthening support for Kyiv as the war continues.
Trump has said that after addressing other international crises, Washington intends to refocus efforts on ending the war in Ukraine, claiming the conflict is costing thousands of lives each month.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy and Trump have discussed the possibility of arranging a meeting with Vladimir Putin in the United States — a format supporters believe could make it harder for the Russian leader to avoid direct talks.
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