Diplomatic — 2026-06-18

Zelensky Holds Post-G7 Call with Trump and Macron

BLUFDespite renewed trilateral coordination and Zelensky's public flexibility on venues, direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations remain unlikely before mid-September given Moscow's consistent rejection of neutral formats.

Zelensky held a trilateral call with Trump and Macron on June 17 following the G7 summit, describing it as "an important coordination talk that could make a big difference" 123. The Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed the leaders reviewed G7 summit outcomes and coordinated positions 4. The call followed a June 16 bilateral on G7 sidelines where Zelensky raised Ukraine's air defense needs and proposed U.S. licenses for domestic production of anti-ballistic systems and missiles; Zelensky said Trump responded positively to the proposal 1. Zelensky stated on June 17 he would accept Turkey, Switzerland, or the Middle East as venues for direct talks with Putin but would not travel to Moscow 1.

Analysis
Zelensky's explicit naming of Turkey, Switzerland, or the Middle East converts prior general talk-readiness into a named geographic concession, confirmed by Reuters and the Office of the President as independent primaries. The production licensing proposal moved from Kyiv's announced position to a direct Trump exchange with confirmed positive feedback. Direct Ukraine-Russia talks before September 16 remain unlikely. High confidence rests on Moscow's consistent rejection of neutral venues and the stall of U.S.-mediated contacts since February, which Zelensky's venue concession does not alter. Trump's sustained personal engagement through and after the G7, combined with the positive licensing signal, may instead mark a U.S. policy re-prioritization as the Iran track recedes. Should talks not commence before September 16, European capitals must finalize fall defense financing without a diplomatic off-ramp, and the licensing decision becomes the primary deliverable Kyiv will press before the heating season.
5 sources
  1. Zelensky holds post-G7 call with Trump and Macron, says it could make a big difference - Kyiv Independent
  2. Zelensky held trilateral talks with Trump and Macron, summarised G7 discussions - Mezha
  3. Ukraine's Zelenskiy Says He Spoke to Trump, Macron After G7 Summit - Reuters
  4. Presidents of Ukraine, the United States, and France Reviewed the Outcomes of the G7 Summit Talks and Coordinated Positions - Office of the President of Ukraine
  5. Zelensky Says Post-G7 Call With Trump, Macron Could Change Ukraine Peace Efforts - Kyiv Post

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