Despite President Donald Trump’s optimism at the G7 summit that progress may be possible toward ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, veteran Eurasia analyst Paul Goble warned that no major breakthrough appears imminent. Trump arrived at the G7 summit in France after declaring he had held “very fruitful” conversations with both President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that “something can be done.”JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Trading aid for demining Behind closed doors, this optimism took the shape of a transactional diplomatic maneuver. Politico reported, citing five European diplomats and officials involved in closed-door discussions, that Trump may be willing to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia in exchange for European help in demining the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, Trump is seeking G7 military support to stabilize a framework ceasefire arrangement with Iran, while European leaders hope to secure stronger US backing for Ukraine in return. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the discussions with Trump gave him “a certain optimism,” while other officials signaled readiness to help with demining only under specific conditions, including a formal US request and the consent of involved regional actors. Although some in Europe may see this transactional approach as a potential opening, Goble warned that linking Ukraine diplomacy to Middle Eastern security arrangements does not address the core obstacles to ending Russia’s war.