The G7 summit in France became the arena for a diplomatic battle for the mind of the American leader. At the center of attention was the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, where the Ukrainian leader showed photos of the destroyed Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
According to Politico, citing three anonymous G7 representatives, what Trump saw made a deep impression on him. "I think he was genuinely moved," one diplomat shared. Another source noted that Zelenskyy's decision to show these clips was psychologically successful and became a decisive factor.
Macron's Strategy and the "Common Front"
Zelenskyy's actions were not an isolated step. They fit into a broader strategy developed by French President Emmanuel Macron. As early as Monday evening, over dinner with a view of Lake Geneva, G7 leaders joined forces to convince Trump of one thing: Russia is losing on the front lines, and Ukraine is winning.
European diplomats reported that leaders managed to convey to the American president the idea that Moscow is acting out of desperation, as it cannot cross the front line and is even losing territory. The main message was unambiguous: a "wounded" Russia continues to attack civilians and sacred sites.
Result: Commitment to Military Aid
The day after these talks, Trump firmly supported Ukraine in the summit's joint declaration. According to participants, the publication of photos of the destroyed Lavra was the final push for such a decision. Macron achieved what many did not expect: Trump committed to providing Kyiv with additional military support.
Colleagues also recognized the success of French diplomacy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that Macron did "excellent work at a difficult moment on the international stage".
The Shadow of Uncertainty
Despite the agreements reached, diplomats warn: there are no guarantees for the future. The situation remains fragile. A single phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin could undo everything achieved over these days. Experts link this to the fact that Donald Trump often has a "binary" view of the war between Russia and Ukraine, making his position unpredictable.
Context: Strike on the Lavra
On the night of June 15, Russian drones struck the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra — the first such attack since the full-scale invasion. Footage published by the National Reserve captured the moment of the drone hit and the ensuing fire. Following this attack, Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for the end of the war, calling the destruction of churches and cultural heritage a crime against humanity.