Trump blocks G7 from issuing pro-Ukraine statement

Trump’s US opposed a “strong” statement condemning Russia at a Group of Seven summit in Canada over Ukraine. New Canadian dollar loans to help rebuild its infrastructure. Ottawa also joined London in tightening sanctions on Russia’s “ghost fleet” that is used to circumvent international sanctions on its oil sales. British Prime Minister Starmer said: “These sanctions strike directly at the heart of Putin’s war machine and stifle his ability to continue his brutal war in Ukraine.” On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron called for “sanctions to go further” to force Moscow to “respond to offers” for a ceasefire in Ukraine. But Trump, who boasts about his special relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin at every opportunity, made no secret on Monday of his skepticism about any new measures against Moscow. “Sanctions are not that simple,” he said, stressing that any new measures would come at a “huge” cost to the United States. Trump has destabilized the world by imposing tariffs of at least 10% on most products imported into the United States and threatening to increase them further. Although the exchanges during the summit remained extremely polite, his remarks on his way back home dampened some hopes. As usual, Trump did not hesitate to lash out at the leaders he had just left on the plane back home. In particular, he expressed regret that the Europeans “have not proposed a fair deal at this time” to ease the trade war with the United States, while the announced suspension will end on July 9. The US president added: “Either we find a good deal or they pay what we ask.” He also slammed Macron as a “nice guy” who “knows nothing” and was clearly annoyed by Macron’s suggestion that he was returning home early to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran. On this issue, Trump has sent conflicting signals as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Starmer said on Tuesday that “there is nothing in Trump’s comments that suggests he will be drawn into a conflict between Iran and Israel.”