Trump says ‘I’m the boss’ at G7 as leaders back Ukraine, toughen stance on Russia | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump struck a blunt and unusual tone at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France on Wednesday (June 17th), telling a room full of global leaders: “I’m the boss.”
The remarks, delivered to colleagues during a session on global economic security, came as the Group of Seven signaled a more coordinated stance on Ukraine and agreed new measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.
A summit in France brought together leaders seeking to project unity on global conflicts, supply chain risks and energy security, even as differences over strategy toward Moscow and Tehran remained visible.
The united position of the G7 on Ukraine and Russia
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Donald Trump asserted his authority by declaring “I’m the boss” during a session on global economic security at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
G7 leaders issued a joint statement encouraging Ukraine to strengthen its diplomatic influence ahead of future negotiations, especially as Ukraine’s military posture improves.
The G7 agreed on new measures to increase pressure on Russia, including additional sanctions specifically targeting its oil and gas sector.
Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy has raised questions about the durability of US commitments, particularly when it comes to sanctions pressure and relations with Russia.
While G7 leaders support a tougher stance on Russia, there is uncertainty over whether Trump will continue to enforce sanctions consistently.
The leaders issued a joint statement supporting Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and signaling support for stronger sanctions against Russia. The move was widely interpreted as strengthening Kiev’s diplomatic influence ahead of any future negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and his allies entered the summit seeking to convince Washington that Ukraine’s military position is improving and that Moscow should not be allowed to dictate peace terms.
The statement marked a significant shift compared to last year’s G7 meeting in Canada, which ended without a unified position on Ukraine.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters that Washington’s position had evolved.
“There’s been a change of heart on the part of the United States and President Trump,” Carney said.
“There is a stance that is harder on Russia and, in our view, more realistic in terms of the situation on the ground of war.”
Trump is signaling a tougher approach but maintaining ambiguity
While Trump has drawn closer to allies in Russia, he has maintained his characteristic unpredictability, leaving open questions about the durability of American commitments.
The leaders acknowledged that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield had improved, strengthening the case for a negotiated solution that did not favor Moscow.
However, uncertainty remains as to whether Trump will keep up the pressure on sanctions, including possible exemptions linked to Russian oil exports.
Officials also noted that bilateral discussions between Trump and Zelensky were not confirmed at the summit.
The Iran deal adds a new geopolitical layer
At the summit, the leaders also discussed a tentative agreement between the United States and Iran, which Trump described as an early deal rather than a final deal.
G7 leaders welcomed the development and indicated their readiness to support its implementation, particularly by seeking to stabilize energy markets and reduce dependence on vulnerable shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, Trump emphasized that the agreement is conditional and reversible.
“If I don’t like it, if they don’t behave themselves, we’ll go right back to dropping bombs right in the middle of their heads,” he said.
The remark underscored continued volatility in the news on US foreign policy, even as allies seek predictability on global security and energy issues.
Energy security and strategic recalibration
In response to instability in the Middle East and ongoing conflict in Europe, G7 leaders also discussed diversifying energy supply chains and increasing strategic reserves to reduce exposure to disruptions at key maritime hubs.
Discussions reflected broader concerns about global economic fragmentation, with leaders focusing on critical minerals, trade imbalances and supply chain resilience.
Read also | “Without me there would be no Israel: Trump ahead of US-Iran peace deal
