Trump snubs Zelensky meeting
The White House said the US president had to leave the G7 summit due to the ongoing Israel-Iran stand-off
US President Donald Trump has left the G7 summit in Canada early, despite having a scheduled meeting with Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky, the White House has said, citing the recent escalation in the Middle East.
White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that the US leader is departing the gathering in Kananaskis, Alberta, "so he can attend to many important matters." She also wrote on X that Trump "had a great day at the G7," but "because of what's going on in the Middle East, [he] will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State."
Zelensky had been scheduled to meet Trump on the sidelines of the summit in what was widely perceived as an opportunity to urge the US to ramp up sanctions against Russia and approve more weapons shipments to Kiev.
Trump, however, has been reluctant to increase pressure on Moscow, with media reports suggesting that he is frustrated with both Ukraine and Russia, and is considering withdrawing from the peace process altogether.
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Trump's early departure was linked to ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Iran. "There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange," Macron said. "The US assured they will find a ceasefire, and since they can pressure Israel, things may change."
Trump, however, pushed back on the claim shortly afterward, rebuking "publicity seeking" Macron for what he saw as disseminating falsehoods. "He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that," he wrote on the Truth Social network.
The recent Middle East escalation kicked off after US-Iran talks on a potential nuclear deal ended up at an impasse. Iran has dismissed a US demand to completely eliminate its uranium enrichment capabilities while not ruling out a potential agreement in itself. Tehran has also insisted it is not seeking to create a nuclear weapon, and that its atomic program is for peaceful purposes only.
As the diplomatic process stalled, Israel last week launched several waves of strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists.
Iran retaliated with massive missile strikes on Israel, while the US has backed West Jerusalem's right to self-defense while reinforcing its assets in the region to protect its long-time ally. Washington, nevertheless, urged Tehran to return to talks.
(RT.com)
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