G7 Summit: Macron, Zelenskyy caught on hot-mic gossiping about Trump
What's the story
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were caught on a hot mic talking about United States President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The conversation was recorded as they walked through the Hotel Royal grounds after Macron greeted his Ukrainian counterpart upon his arrival. "Yesterday we had a difficult discussion with President Trump," Macron told Zelenskyy, offering a rare insight into their diplomatic dynamics.
Summit dynamics
Extend your stay, Zelensky tells Macron
During their conversation, Macron also urged Zelenskyy to extend his stay at the summit. However, Zelenskyy said he had plans to go to Brussels for an EU meeting. The French President then asked if Zelenskyy had a meeting with Trump planned, adding that he would arrange one if not. "Ok, I will arrange that," according to audio from the conversation.
Diplomatic efforts
Zelenskyy seeks more sanctions, weapons transfers to pressure Russia
Zelenskyy has been actively seeking support from Western leaders to pressure Russia into ending the war as the Trump administration shifts focus to the Iran war. He has pushed for more sanctions and weapons transfers to force Russian leader Vladimir Putin into negotiations to end the war. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy again emphasized Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense weapons. The G7 leaders agreed to intensify pressure on Russia through oil and gas sanctions.
Meeting confirmation
Trump to meet with Zelensky later in the day
Trump and Zelenskyy spoke briefly on Tuesday morning alongside other G7 leaders. Trump confirmed he would meet with Zelenskyy later in the day. Although he arrived late to a group meeting on Ukraine, he and Zelenskyy were seen talking privately afterward. European leaders argued that Putin is now in a weaker strategic position and urged Trump to boost support for Ukraine. Afterward, Zelenskyy outlined Kyiv's immediate priorities: more air defense missiles, winter support package, and increased pressure on Russia.
Diplomatic proposal
Potential trilateral meeting with Putin proposed by Zelensky
Zelenskyy also proposed a potential trilateral meeting with Putin in the United States. "Yesterday, we discussed with President Trump that such a meeting could be organized in the US, in a format where Putin would find it much harder to refuse," he said in a video posted on X before traveling to France. "We will see what comes of it. If Russia refuses this chance as well, additional pressure will be needed."