Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 17: In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to cut short his participation at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East as the primary reason. The White House confirmed the development on Monday, stating that Trump will depart Monday night after the official dinner with global leaders.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X, “Much was accomplished, but due to what’s unfolding in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
The summit, which brought together leaders from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union in the serene Kananaskis region of the Canadian Rockies, was already mired in discord over critical issues like the Ukraine conflict and growing tensions between Israel and Iran.
French President Emmanuel Macron downplayed the early departure, saying it could actually aid ceasefire efforts in the Middle East. However, President Trump’s abrupt decision has once again highlighted the widening cracks within the G7 bloc.
Earlier in the day, Trump stirred controversy by expressing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and claiming that Russia’s expulsion from the then-G8 in 2014 was a "major mistake." He asserted, “Putin speaks to me, not to anyone else… I can tell you; he hasn’t even spoken to those who kicked him out. And I agree with him.”
Trump stopped short of formally backing Russia's reinstatement to the G7, but his remarks cast a shadow over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s scheduled meeting with G7 leaders on Tuesday. European nations had hoped to pressure Trump into supporting tougher sanctions on Moscow — a prospect that now appears dim.
Zelenskiy, speaking ahead of the meeting, said he intended to discuss critical weapons deals with the U.S. president. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to be present for the high-level discussion.
Further complicating matters, a senior U.S. official revealed that Trump refused to endorse a draft statement calling for the de-escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, leading Canada to scrap plans for a comprehensive summit communique. The move echoes the 2018 summit fiasco in Quebec, when Trump withdrew U.S. support for the final communique post-departure.
Multiple draft declarations have been prepared on pressing topics such as migration, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, but insiders indicate none have received U.S. approval.
An unnamed European diplomat noted, “Without Trump’s endorsement, it remains unclear whether any official declaration will be released.”
In parallel developments, President Trump and new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the finalization of a bilateral trade agreement, making the UK the first country to secure a tariff-cutting deal under the Trump administration. Trump also hinted at the possibility of a broader economic and security pact with host nation Canada, albeit insisting that tariffs remain part of any negotiation — a position met with strong opposition from the Canadian government.
“Our stance is clear — Canadian exports to the U.S. must remain tariff-free,” said Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who also extended summit invitations to leaders from India, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Ukraine, remained tight-lipped about whether a final summit statement would be released following Trump’s early exit.
As geopolitical complexities deepen and diplomatic cohesion wanes, the G7 faces yet another test of its relevance and unity — one that could have lasting implications on both global trade and international peacekeeping efforts.