G7 leaders expressed growing optimism about prospects for peace in Ukraine, with European leaders saying Russia is under increasing pressure and Ukraine's position has strengthened.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was encouraged by US President Donald Trump's cooperative stance and believed Europe and the United States would continue working to end the war.

Trump said Russia "should make a deal" and indicated that energy-related sanctions on Moscow could be tightened again as oil shipments resume through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he also remarked that the conflict has "no impact on us" beyond US weapons sales to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said "the tide is turning for Ukraine," citing Russia's growing fatigue and Ukraine's resilience on the battlefield.

The European Union has become Ukraine's largest financial supporter, while Ukraine's expanding drone capabilities have helped counter Russian advances. Despite the optimism, Russia continues to launch large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.