G7 to focus on Ukraine, Iran on first full day of meetings

Leaders of the Group of Seven are discussing Russia's war in Ukraine along with a tentative deal struck by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict with Iran as they meet for the first full day at the G7 summit of leading industrialised nations on Tuesday in the French town of Evian-les-Bains.

Trump said he would focus again on Ukraine following a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron shortly after arriving late on Monday in the lakeside spa town.

"Now that this (Iran) is finished, we’re going to be focusing on that,” Trump said.

Macron said he will seek to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to help reach a peace agreement more than four years after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the war. Trump said he had good conversations on Sunday with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who is attending the summit at France’s invitation.

France's President Emmanuel Macron gestures during the official greeting as part of the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on Monday. AFP

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives for the official greeting during the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on Monday. AFP

The leaders also will have a working session focused on ending crises and ensuring stability in the Middle East. They are expected to discuss the global economic crisis resulting from the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will join the talks.

Shortly before his arrival, Trump announced an agreement to end the 3 1/2-month-old US war against Iran.

The G7 includes France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Guest nations at this summit include Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya, South Korea, Qatar, Ukraine and the UAE.

Associated Press