G7 summit and Ukraine aid: Allies seek unity amid shifting priorities

The G7 summit in Evian, France, focused on the war in Ukraine, as leaders worked to refocus attention after the US-Iran ceasefire deal temporarily overshadowed the conflict. US President Donald Trump indicated his intention to address Ukraine next, while G7 allies agreed to increase pressure on Russia through oil and gas sanctions and to provide additional air defense capabilities. European nations have become the primary providers of military and financial support to Ukraine as US aid has waned. Concurrently, the European Union formally launched membership negotiations with Ukraine, which Kyiv sees as a security guarantee. Meanwhile, the summit discussed licensing the production of long-range missiles and air defense systems on Ukrainian soil. The summit took place amid ongoing violence, including a Russian missile and drone barrage against Ukrainian cities and a Ukrainian drone strike on a bus carrying children in Russia. The Pope also appealed for dialogue.