Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demanded Belarus remove Russian relay stations within a week or Ukraine would do it itself, as Kyiv intensifies pressure on Belarus's oil supply to Russia amid ongoing conflict escalation.
EU leaders disagreed on establishing diplomatic channels with Moscow as Ukraine war continues, with some supporting Council President Costa's proposed backchannel while others, including Germany, cautioned against premature decisions on EU representation in potential negotiations.
Ukrainian drones struck Moscow's Kapotnya oil refinery, a critical energy facility supplying 40% of the capital's petrol, in Kyiv's largest air raid since the war began, prompting evacuations and Russian threats of escalated retaliation.
EU leaders clash over potential Russia talks at Brussels summit.
EU Council President António Costa faced criticism at an EU summit for his cabinet's undisclosed Russia contacts, while the bloc extended sanctions against Russia by twelve months despite Bulgaria's blockade threat, raising questions about internal divisions over Moscow policy.
Ukraine's President Zelensky secured a historic diplomatic milestone as European leaders pledged four billion dollars in military aid, including air defense systems and drones, while formally initiating EU accession negotiations amid continued territorial resistance against Russia's invasion.
The EU extended Russia sanctions by twelve months for the first time at a June summit, overcoming Hungary's previous blockade under new pro-Western leadership, strengthening measures against Moscow's war economy through trade, financial, and energy restrictions.
European Council opens limited contacts with Russia, Politico reports
The G7 pledged tougher Russia sanctions and increased Ukraine support at their June summit, with Europe shouldering primary responsibility as the US reduces backing under Trump's administration reluctant to sustain involvement.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung completed an eight-day European tour culminating in a G7 appearance, securing a Digital Trade Agreement with the EU, elevating ties with Italy to strategic partnership status, and meeting Pope Francis to discuss Korean Peninsula peace efforts.
President Sisi stresses a just settlement is necessary for the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution.
G7 leaders discussed global crises while open microphones caught lighter moments: Italian PM Meloni's smoking cessation, football banter surrounding the World Cup, Trump's cryptic Greenland reference, and Macron gifting customized bicycles to promote cycling championships.
Keir Starmer announces a UK-EU summit for July 22, aiming to put Britain at the heart of Europe.
World leaders at the G7 summit discussed global issues and lighter topics, including sports and personal habits.
Canada awards its first SAFE agreement contract to a Canadian company, Marconi Technologies, to supply tactical radios to Poland.
World leaders welcomed Iran-US tentative deal ending regional conflict and reopening Strait of Hormuz, with formal signing planned Friday in Switzerland following months of fighting that killed thousands and disrupted global energy markets.
France will host the G7 summit as member nations confront escalating geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, bringing together world leaders to address shared global concerns during an increasingly unstable period.
Russian President Putin rejected Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's meeting proposal, declaring it pointless, while a Ukrainian drone detonated in Romania's Black Sea port, prompting evacuations and prompting EU leaders to warn the Ukraine war poses an escalating direct threat to Eastern European NATO members.
G7 nations authorized Ukraine to domestically manufacture air-defence missiles and long-range weapons under license, addressing critical interceptor shortages while signaling unified pressure on Russia to end the war.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki strips Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Poland's highest honor.
Macron says Europe must be at the negotiating table for Ukraine.
Macron and Merz criticized the EU's stance on Putin talks, opposing European Council President António Costa's efforts to reach out to the Kremlin.
EU Council President António Costa faced criticism at the EU summit for unauthorized contact with Russia to establish diplomatic channels, with German officials calling it an "affront." Meanwhile, EU leaders unanimously extended economic sanctions against Russia by twelve months instead of the typical six.
EU member states agreed to extend Russia sanctions by twelve months instead of the traditional six-month cycle, marking a significant hardening of economic pressure over Moscow's Ukraine invasion, with Hungary's new leadership removing previous obstruction to the measure.
G7 leaders convened in France June 2026 to address trade, AI governance, and energy security, collectively representing 30% global GDP and 40% world trade amid slowing growth and protectionist pressures threatening economic stability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected calls from Labour rivals to rejoin the EU, reaffirming his manifesto commitment against re-entry while emphasizing progress on building a closer UK-EU relationship ahead of a July 22 reset summit.
India and the European Union accelerated plans to finalize their free trade agreement by year-end during meetings in France, aiming to strengthen economic ties and cooperation on defense, security, and establishing a multipolar global order.
G7 leaders convened in France in June 2026 to address Ukraine, Middle East tensions, AI governance, and energy security, shaping global policy responses to overlapping geopolitical and economic crises affecting advanced democracies.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met EU leaders at the G7 Summit in France to advance a strategic partnership agreement, discussing cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, trade, and regional developments to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed obtaining licenses to manufacture missiles and air defense systems with Trump at the G7 summit, emphasizing Ukraine's critical need for expanded weapons production capacity and winter energy supplies amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Carney 'welcomes' Iran peace progress as he arrives in France for G7 summit
G7 leaders gathered at Lake Geneva seek alignment with Trump on Iran peace, with a US-Iran agreement potentially stabilizing the region and opening diplomatic windows for Ukraine negotiations, while EU maintains sanctions leverage pending Iranian concessions.
World leaders cautiously welcomed Trump's Iran-US peace deal, with Europe signaling willingness to ease sanctions if Iran verifies nuclear limitations, prioritizing Strait of Hormuz reopening to stabilize global energy markets.
The European Union opened membership talks with Ukraine on Monday, launching a years-long accession process designed as a security guarantee amid Russia's ongoing war, while debates continue over interim "associate membership" options addressing corruption and justice concerns.
European Council President António Costa emerged as the EU's natural representative for potential Ukraine peace negotiations with Russia, establishing preliminary diplomatic channels while the bloc extends sanctions and advances Ukraine's EU accession.
EU leaders disagreed at a Brussels summit over opening direct diplomatic channels with Moscow, with Council President António Costa pushing for contact to protect European interests in potential Ukraine peace negotiations while Germany and France insisted Ukraine remain central.
EU leaders demonstrated unified support for Ukraine's accession, called for accelerated military aid and a 21st Russia sanctions package, and tasked Ireland's presidency with advancing the 2028-2034 budget negotiations amid broader security and competitiveness concerns.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged patience on EU-Russia dialogue negotiations at the Brussels summit, while emphasizing Ukraine's autonomy in talks and addressing EU concerns over a 360 billion euro annual trade deficit with China.
Bulgarian PM Radev threatened to veto the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package unless Patriarch Kirill is removed, citing religious concerns and economic impacts, positioning Bulgaria as the latest obstacle to European unity on Moscow policy.
Rights group says Herat arrests could amount to crimes against humanity under Taliban rule.
Dozens of Civil Society Groups Urge EU to Stop Normalising Ties With Taliban
Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings at the G7 Summit with EU and UK leaders, advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and strengthening partnerships on trade, defense, technology, and climate action across multiple strategic initiatives.
Egypt's President El-Sisi and EU's António Costa discussed regional stability and cooperation at the G7 Summit.
Trump pledged to pursue Russia-Ukraine peace at the G-7 summit in Evian, citing concern over 25,000 monthly youth deaths, while the group agreed to increase pressure on Russia through enhanced sanctions and military aid.
World leaders discuss lighter topics at the G7 summit, including sports and smoking.
The EU and UK scheduled their July 22 summit to reset post-Brexit relations, addressing delayed youth mobility negotiations, trade agreements, and emissions trading while seeking closer cooperation on security and prosperity.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Council President António Costa announced a July 22 summit in Brussels to strengthen post-Brexit relations, with Britain seeking cooperation on trade, defense, and security while maintaining red lines against rejoining the single market or customs union.
Armenia's parliament completed elections with Civil Contract Party winning 49.7% amid mixed economic forecasts: World Bank raised growth projections while IMF expects slowdown to 5.25%, as Russian phytosanitary restrictions threaten key export markets.
EU leaders cautiously welcomed Trump's Iran ceasefire deal, urging swift implementation to restore Strait of Hormuz access and alleviate global energy pressures amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.