Trump Abruptly Leaves G7 Summit Amid Middle East Crisis, Skips Meeting with Zelenskyy

U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, citing an urgent need to return to Washington due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

The Gaze reports on this with reference to White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt’s post on social media.

According to her, Trump departed following a working dinner with other G7 leaders. 

“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” she stated.

While in Canada, Trump signed a bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom, calling it “a great day at the G7.” 

However, on the first day, Trump reignited controversy by calling for Russia’s return to the group, suggesting a revival of the G8 format despite Moscow’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

One of the most notable consequences of Trump’s exit is the cancellation of his scheduled meeting with President Zelenskyy. 

The bilateral meeting was expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Trump described his departure as necessary. “I have to go back. It’s very important,” he said, thanking Canadian Prime Minister and G7 host Mark Carney for his hospitality. “You’ve seen what I’ve seen. I need to return as soon as possible.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also returning to Washington with the president. 

According to NBC News, Trump has directed the National Security Council to be on standby in the Situation Room upon his arrival, which is expected no earlier than Tuesday morning Eastern Time.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, remains in Canada and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with several world leaders.

As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy planned to raise the question of purchasing a new U.S. defense package during a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump.