Trump joins G7 talks on Ukraine in France amid reported Macron friction

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday joined a G7 working session focused on Ukraine alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian, France. Leaders from Italy, Germany, Britain, Japan, and Canada also attended the closed-door discussions aimed at addressing security assistance and diplomatic efforts regarding the ongoing conflict. The session was held away from media coverage as the leaders convened at the French resort town for high-level talks.

German jersey presentation

Before cameras were escorted from the room, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a German national team soccer shirt bearing the number "47" and the name "Trump" on the back. The gift exchange occurred at the start of the working session, offering a moment of levity before the closed-door deliberations began among the leaders.

Reported tension with Macron

Earlier bilateral talks between Trump and Macron were described as "a bit tense," according to NBC News, which cited an EU official familiar with the discussions. "Trump is being his usual self, nice sometimes and not so nice sometimes," the official said, adding that the US president was reportedly dismissive of European Union support regarding a deal with Iran. The official noted that Trump had indicated he did not require Europe's assistance in the matter.

Gulf and Middle East diplomacy

Later on Tuesday, Trump was scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Qatari Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The US president was also set to participate in a working lunch with representatives from Middle Eastern countries and a separate session with fellow leaders and "development countries" as the G7 summit continued in France.