Trump Links Ukraine Support to Hormuz Demining Demand at G7

US President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to back Ukraine more strongly and step up pressure on Russia – but only if European allies assist with clearing the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Politico sources on Tuesday, the issue was raised during closed-door discussions at the G7 summit, where Trump reportedly tied future US support for Ukraine to European involvement in maritime demining operations in the strategically vital waterway.

According to the sources, G7 leaders did not reject the idea outright but stressed that any such mission would require strict conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron said naval demining efforts would only proceed following an official US request and with the consent of other regional actors, including Iran and Oman.

No agreement was reached during the talks. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later expressed “optimism” after his meeting with Trump.

Earlier, European officials were reportedly concerned that Trump could push Ukraine toward territorial concessions – fears that intensified after his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Those concerns eased somewhat after Trump said the US was prepared to reimpose tough sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, insisting: “Russia must make a deal.”

Following the summit, G7 leaders issued a joint statement pledging to increase pressure on Moscow through new sanctions targeting oil and gas revenues.

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The statement also said the timing was favorable for tightening restrictions, citing a separate understanding between the US and Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, the G7 agreed to expand military support for Ukraine, including additional air defense systems, interceptor missiles, and long-range weapons.

Leaders also discussed potential licenses for Ukraine to manufacture some of these systems domestically, alongside measures to strengthen the country’s energy system ahead of winter.