EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — During the second day of the G7 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to increase support for Ukraine amid the country’s recent gains against Russian forces. Zelensky described Trump as “positive” about the possibility of providing additional assistance, particularly in the form of missile supplies.

The summit, held in this French town, saw Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron actively pressing Trump to adopt a firmer stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and expand military aid to Kyiv. A notable development was Trump agreeing to a previously unscheduled one-on-one meeting with Zelensky following the group discussions.

Following the closed-door meeting, Zelensky characterized the outcome as a consensus that Russia is not prevailing in the conflict. He noted that Trump expressed optimism about increasing missile shipments to Ukraine. The U.S. administration has faced criticism for delaying sales of Patriot missiles to Kyiv while encouraging Ukraine to consider territorial concessions as part of a potential truce.

Trump acknowledged the heavy human toll on both sides and emphasized that the U.S. is geographically distant from the conflict, stating it “has no impact on us, other than we sell weapons.” Nevertheless, he signaled a willingness to reinstate sanctions on Russia after recently granting a one-month waiver to allow certain countries to continue purchasing Russian oil, a decision intended to mitigate economic pressures linked to the broader war.

European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscored broad agreement within the G7 that Ukraine’s military advances, coupled with sustained sanctions, have shifted the conflict’s dynamics. Starmer highlighted a shared understanding among the group to intensify pressure on Moscow, viewing the current moment as critical for support.

An earlier exchange captured via hot mic revealed Macron and Zelensky coordinating strategies to engage Trump. Macron referred to a challenging previous discussion with Trump and later committed to helping Zelensky secure a face-to-face meeting, which Zelensky had sought during a prior conversation coinciding with Trump’s 80th birthday.

The interactions at the summit reflect evolving diplomatic efforts to solidify Western backing for Ukraine as Kyiv seeks to capitalize on recent battlefield successes, while navigating complex negotiations with the United States on the scope and timing of further support.