Zelenskyy Seeks to Anchor Ukraine’s Agenda at G7 Summit

Zelenskyy is leveraging reports of intensified drone operations and deep strikes into Russian territory to bolster Kyiv's position before Western allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has signaled support for this narrative, suggesting that Moscow’s war economy is buckling under current pressure. Despite these efforts, the Ukrainian leader’s request for a direct meeting with Vladimir Putin remains unaddressed, highlighting the persistent distance between the warring parties.

The summit acts as a litmus test for Kyiv’s ability to remain the primary focus of U.S. foreign policy. While European leaders advocate for long-term security guarantees and consistent military aid, the Trump administration appears increasingly inclined toward a swift diplomatic exit. This friction is complicated by the presence of Middle Eastern leaders, as the G7 shifts its attention to energy security and maritime instability in the Strait of Hormuz. For Kyiv, the risk is clear: being sidelined by a global agenda that prioritizes immediate crisis management over the complexities of the conflict in Eastern Europe.