Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told Euronews that Moscow anticipated a “disagreement” between the G7 leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, yet he noted that “the summit’s optics exceeded expectations.” He also emphasized that the critical issue now is whether Ukraine and the EU can secure Donald Trump’s support.
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former Prime Minister of Ukraine, stated that Moscow had expected a rift or “spat” between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the G7 leaders, but the Evian summit revealed their cohesion instead.
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During Euronews’s Special report on the G7 summit Tuesday evening, Yatsenyuk remarked that “the appearance of unity among the G7 is far stronger than anticipated.”
He further explained that the real challenge is whether Ukraine, the EU, and the US can compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate—regardless of his willingness.
Referring to the Kremlin’s usual stance on negotiations, Yatsenyuk said, “Did you hear what the designated war criminal Putin said when he spoke with President Trump on his birthday? He claimed readiness to meet my president in Moscow.”
“This clearly indicates that Putin is reluctant to engage in genuine discussions. Let me stress again, it was a KGB-style operation, not sincere talks. It was a tactic to delay and prolong meaningless negotiations.”
Ukraine has consistently proposed direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin in a neutral third country. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy suggested Switzerland, Turkey, or locations in the Middle East as potential venues in an open letter to Putin.
The Ukrainian president also mentioned that he had offered to conduct direct dialogues with the Kremlin during the G7 summit, a proposal Moscow now denies having received.
Nonetheless, Yatsenyuk remains confident that the US president can apply pressure on the Kremlin to engage in substantive diplomacy and eventually end Russia’s war against Ukraine—or at least establish a ceasefire.
Despite Trump’s statement at the G7 on Tuesday that the war in Ukraine “does not affect us except in weapon sales,” Yatsenyuk argued that “most Americans believe the US must continue supporting Ukraine.”
He cited the approaching midterm elections in the US as a significant factor in the timeline and noted that Kyiv currently holds an advantage since Iran no longer dominates Washington’s attention.
“So what cards do we hold? Firstly, we have European allies. Secondly, robust military assistance. Thirdly, sanctions effectively imposed.”
Yet, the crucial element remains whether Kyiv can count on Washington’s backing.
“The main question is whether President Trump serves as a ’trump card.’ I am still trying to determine if Trump will exert maximum pressure on war criminal Putin, as it aligns with the United States’ interest to halt the conflict.”
Yatsenyuk emphasized Ukraine’s resilience on the battlefield. “We are actively defending our sovereign territory and have even reclaimed several areas,” he stated, acknowledging the substantial support provided by European nations to Ukraine.