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US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to participate together in a working session of the G7 summit in France next week, although no formal bilateral meeting has been confirmed, according to reports from senior US officials and European sources.

The summit will take place from June 15-17 in Evian, France. Trump confirmed his attendance on social media, writing that he would travel to France "immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House." The fights are scheduled for June 14 at the White House, marking Trump's 80th birthday and Independence Day.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the upcoming summit has drawn on statements from US administration officials, the French presidency, and Zelensky himself. Senior US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that Trump will meet Middle Eastern leaders and attend a working session with Zelensky. At the same time, a separate report from a senior American official cited by AFP indicated that no formal bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky is currently planned.

This apparent contradiction has been reflected across coverage. One source notes that "no bilateral meeting with Zelensky is planned," while another source quotes Zelensky as saying he expects to meet separately with Trump on Wednesday. French officials have announced that Macron will host Trump for a private dinner at the Palace of Versailles following the summit.

The summit's schedule has also been the subject of speculation, with Politico reporting that Macron is seeking ways to ensure Trump does not leave the meeting early, including considering a private dinner at Versailles.

Key Claims

  • Trump and Zelensky to participate in a working meeting: Multiple sources report that Trump and Zelensky will take part in a working session of the G7 summit on Tuesday, alongside other G7 leaders. This was confirmed by senior US officials and reported by AFP.
  • No formal bilateral meeting planned: Senior US officials have stated that no bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky is currently scheduled, though the two leaders could meet on the sidelines of the summit. This was echoed by a senior American official quoted by AFP.
  • Zelensky expects separate meeting with Trump: Zelensky said on Tuesday that he expects to meet separately with Trump the following day, stating, "I think we will meet separately with the president tomorrow." He made these remarks in response to a question from the Obshchestvennoye broadcaster.
  • Zelensky requested licenses for missile interception systems: During the G7 summit, Zelensky said he had requested licenses from Trump to produce ballistic missile interception systems but had not yet received a final answer.
  • Macron to host Trump at Palace of Versailles: The French presidency announced that Macron will host Trump for a dinner at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday, marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. The palace is described as "a historic symbol of Franco-American friendship."
  • Russian advances in Ukraine have slowed: A senior US administration official said that Russian gains in Ukraine have "more or less stopped," and that Ukraine is seeking additional military funding from allies. The official said, "We want the war to end as quickly as possible."
  • Summit dates and location: The G7 summit will be held June 15-17 in Evian, France, on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Perspectives

  • US administration: Senior US officials have framed Trump's participation as part of a busy schedule of bilateral meetings and working sessions, emphasizing the absence of a formal bilateral meeting with Zelensky at this stage. They have also highlighted progress in slowing Russian advances and expressed a desire to end the war quickly.
  • French presidency: France has announced the dinner at Versailles and has been reported by Politico to be seeking ways to appease Trump and prevent an early departure. The Elysee Palace had previously not invited Zelensky, but reversed course, with a European diplomat noting "a share of risk with the Trump administration."
  • Ukrainian leadership: Zelensky has indicated he expects a separate meeting with Trump and has requested licenses for missile interception systems, signaling a focus on defense cooperation and continued military support.