Zelenskyy showed Trump a photo of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in flames at the G7 summit

During the G7 summit in France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed U.S. President Donald Trump photographs of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra engulfed in flames following a Russian strike. According to media reports, this incident may have been one of the factors that influenced the G7 leaders’ decision to include stronger support for Ukraine in their final declaration.

Politico reports that the images of the Lavra’s golden domes ablaze and the destruction caused by the Russian strike had a noticeable effect on the American leader. A representative of one of the G7 countries stated that Trump was “sincerely moved” by what he saw.

According to the publication, although Zelenskyy showed the photos, the initiative and diplomatic calculation behind this move are attributed to French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the summit. It is noted that Macron had chosen his approach to Trump in advance, taking into account his views on international politics and issues of power.

Sources interviewed by the publication believe that Zelenskyy’s intervention may have been the final impetus that pushed Trump toward a firmer stance in support of Kyiv. As a result, the G7 leaders stated in a joint declaration their readiness to grant Ukraine licenses to manufacture interceptor missiles directly on Ukrainian territory.

As “European Truth” notes, the European leaders’ negotiating strategy was built around the argument that Ukraine is demonstrating resilience on the front lines, while Russia is failing to achieve decisive victories and continues to strike civilian targets and sacred sites. During the G7 leaders’ dinner, held overlooking Lake Geneva, participants also, according to sources, emphasized foreign policy assessments favorable to Trump, including praise for his agreement with Iran.

At the same time, European diplomats acknowledge that the outcome may prove unstable due to the volatility of Trump’s position on issues important to Europe. One diplomat noted that the U.S. president’s constant changes of heart are a reality that allies must take into account.

Following the Evian summit, Macron stated that all G7 leaders agreed: Russia is not demonstrating a serious willingness to make peace. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, for his part, noted that the U.S. position on Ukraine is becoming “more realistic.” It was also reported that, on the sidelines of the summit, Trump expressed a willingness to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia in exchange for assistance from European allies in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz.