Macron hails ‘real progress’ on Ukraine after G7 leaders agree ‘new steps to put pressure’ on Russia

Macron defends the agreed wording on Ukraine, saying it goes quite far in its support for Ukraine.

He says the agreed language marks “a very profound shift in approach,” including a “clear willingness” of the US to work with Europeans to support Ukraine.

He also criticises Russia for showing no real intention to engage with the peace process.

Macron takes a few questions on the deal with Iran and his views about the strait of Hormuz and Lebanon.

But in the penultimate question, he also gets asked about his relationship with Donald Trump, with the journalist suggesting Macron is on a charm offensive to get the US president on side – including through their formal dinner at the Palace of Versailles tonight.

Macron says he was always very open about areas where the pair disagreed – for example on Greenland or Ukraine – but it’s the nature of diplomacy that you work to figure it out. But whenever they agree on something, they follow through on that agreement.

He says the last two days show how much can be achieved when discussions are still being held, despite some past disagreements.

He says what matters is that he defends France’s interests, and, of course, hosting a dinner at the Palace of Versailles is part of broader diplomacy.

Macron also talks about the continuing support for Ukraine on energy infrastructure and its fight to stop Russia’s shadow fleet.

He says he is happy that the G7 ends with “such convergence” on Ukraine, which he hails as “real progress”.