ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: G7 Day One
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 16
- 8 min read
Welcome to this special edition of the News Briefing — live from Kananaskis, Canada, where world leaders have gathered for the 2025 G7 Leaders Summit.
This year’s G7, chaired by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, includes not only the leaders of the G7 nations but also invited guests from the European Union, NATO, the World Bank, the United Nations, and countries including Ukraine, India, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, and Australia.
This briefing covers Day Zero (arrivals) and Day One, with a preview of what’s ahead on Day Two.
DAY ZERO | G7 Leaders Summit
The day began with journalists receiving the list of official arrivals. Accredited media and delegations were invited to Banff, Alberta — home to the International Media Centre, which includes workstations, media booths, conference rooms, and broadcast facilities. Meals are provided on-site for the press.
Only select photographers and videographers from each country are allowed access to Kananaskis, where the leaders are staying and holding one-on-one and working group meetings. A small pool of reporters is also transported to Kananaskis to document the early meetings. Press conferences are hosted in Kananaskis and broadcast back to Banff, with live audio access provided — a unique setup compared to previous summits where media had direct access.
There are various theories as to why this separation is in place: some say it was requested by Trump’s team; others say it’s a precaution for President Zelenskyy’s safety. Organizers state it's designed to maximize security and streamline logistics. Whatever the reason, it’s a different approach than we've seen before.
Day Zero concluded with the official arrivals. I’ve documented it play-by-play in my video recap:
CANADA–US
Day One began with the highly anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump — who arrived 45 minutes late. They briefly appeared before media, during which Trump blamed former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for "kicking Russia out of the G8," claiming it triggered the war in Ukraine.
To clarify: Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015. Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014, following the annexation of Crimea.
Prime Minister Carney ended the awkward exchange by invoking his right as G7 Chair to move on. The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office released a statement afterward:
“Prime Minister Carney and President Trump met at the 2025 G7 Summit in Alberta to discuss trade, economic relations, and shared priorities like border security and critical minerals. They agreed to pursue negotiations for a new deal within 30 days and maintain regular contact.”
US–UK
President Trump then met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Emerging from the meeting, Trump dropped a stack of papers, held them up, and declared that the [previously] signed agreement was now being “implemented.”
It was later confirmed that Trump had signed an Executive Order to implement the trade deal with the UK originally signed on May 8, 2025.
On Iran, Trump said negotiations are ongoing and that he would “work on it after [he] leaves.”
Regarding Russia, Trump stated:
“Let Europe do it and see how it works. Sanctions cost money — billions and billions of dollars.”
He added that he is “all about saving lives” and blamed Biden for “stupid decisions.” He claimed Vladimir Putin only communicates with him and suggested that China joining the G7 “wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas about the Israel–Iran conflict. Both reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination with allies. (Remember this phrase as you continue reading this report)
Trump was also scheduled to meet Japanese PM Ishiba, though this did not appear on today’s agenda. He was expected to meet Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and Mexico’s President Sheinbaum tomorrow.
WORKING SESSION: Global Economic Outlook
The first official working session focused on the global economy.
The European Union leadership held a press conference previewing the session — I attended and filed a detailed report:
Europeans Signal Unity on Ukraine, Iran, and Trade at Pivotal G7 Summit
Reporting from the alpine backdrop of Kananaskis, Alberta — where world leaders once envisioned a hopeful post-Cold War cooperation with Russia in 2002 — the tone at the 2025 G7 summit is markedly different. At a high-stakes press conference today, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa laid out the EU's urgent global priorities: defending Ukraine, deterring Iran, de-escalating in Gaza, and steering a volatile global economy.
Costa: "We Must Show the Way to Stability and Peace"
European Council President António Costa opened the session with a sobering reflection on the weight of G7 leadership in a world mired in conflict. With instability stretching from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, Costa emphasized that the G7 has a duty to act “with responsibility and purpose.”
He called for “frank and open discussions” at the summit to chart a path toward global stability, urging leaders to maintain military and financial support for Ukraine while pushing for an “unconditional ceasefire” and greater pressure on Moscow. Costa reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, warning that “deterrence and defense go hand in hand with diplomacy.”
On the Middle East, he voiced alarm over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reiterated the EU’s position: Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. At the same time, he emphasized the urgency of “guaranteeing aid access to Gaza” and securing the conditional release of remaining hostages. Canada, he added, is a “key transatlantic ally” as Europe reinforces its security and diplomatic architecture.
Von der Leyen: "Talk. Discuss. Act."
President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a sharp and strategic message on Europe’s priorities in a world she described as increasingly defined by "geo-politics and geo-economics."
Recalling the 2002 G8 summit in the same Canadian location — then including Russia — she noted how the illusion of Russian-Western convergence has been shattered. “That willingness to work together has proven false,” she said. “We must now build resilient alliances based on trust.”
Among von der Leyen’s top messages:
Global Economy Under Pressure
The world has endured “two major shocks” in the last decade, she said, and economic uncertainty is now a persistent risk. With trade tensions rising and inflation fears returning, von der Leyen warned that tariffs are harming the very economies imposing them. “Tariffs, like taxes, hit importers,” she said, calling for a G7 commitment to easing global trade and “managing risks together.”
End the Weaponization of Dependencies
She urged the G7 to stop “weaponizing economic dependencies” and build trusted supply chains — especially for critical minerals and pharmaceutical products.
Ukraine: Unity and Pressure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to join the summit on Tuesday. Von der Leyen praised his willingness to discuss a ceasefire while condemning Russia for “escalating the war.” She said EU sanctions have already slashed Russian oil revenue by 80% and encouraged all G7 partners to “stay the course.”
Middle East: Iran and Aid Access
Following direct conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, von der Leyen reiterated Europe’s position: “Iran is the principal source of regional destabilization,” and Israel retains the right to defend itself. However, she pledged to personally investigate why humanitarian aid is not reaching Gaza.
Iranian Drones in Ukraine and Israel
European leaders are increasingly concerned about Iranian-manufactured drones used in conflicts from Kyiv to Tel Aviv. Von der Leyen called for joint G7 action to counter this evolving threat.
Oil and Strategic Stability
She confirmed having spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump about oil market stability, signaling a pragmatic EU stance in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Canada-EU Defense Partnership
The summit also marks a potential new milestone in EU-Canada defense cooperation. Von der Leyen announced efforts to bring Canada into Europe’s SAFE (Security Architecture for Europe) program. “This is the moment to elevate our already close relationship,” she said. A formal EU-Canada defense agreement may be signed at the next bilateral summit.
Looking Ahead: A G7 of the Future
Both leaders underscored the evolution of the G7 since 2002, now absent Russia but joined by a broader circle of global partners, including India and Mexico. “The strength of the G7 is its ability to adapt,” von der Leyen noted. “What we do in the next 50 years depends on the choices we make now.”
As the summit continues, much hinges on Tuesday’s sessions, particularly the face-to-face between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. But the message from Europe is already clear: The G7 must not only respond to crises — it must shape what comes next.
Additionally, we were informed that G7 nations are working to craft a joint appeal for an Israel–Iran ceasefire, which President Trump has refused to sign. By day’s end, Trump tweeted the following, directing Tehran to evacuate, citing a failed “deal.”
BILATERALS: Canada and Allies
Canada–Australia
PM Carney met Australian PM Anthony Albanese, emphasizing cooperation in trade, defense, and wildfire response. Carney thanked Australia for sending firefighters to Alberta and underscored plans for deeper cooperation on critical minerals and the Indo-Pacific.
“As the world becomes increasingly dangerous, Canada and Australia will deepen their bilateral relationship and build shared growth.”
Canada–Japan
PM Carney and PM Ishiba celebrated a new Security of Information Agreement, aiming to expand cooperation in trade, defense, and emerging tech.
Canada–France
PM Carney and President Macron discussed AI, energy security, and a new Canada–France jobs initiative, alongside a shared cybersecurity commitment.
Canada–Italy
A brief public chat occurred between Carney and Italy’s PM — notably, this came after Trump’s Tehran tweet caused international turbulence.
PM Carney met with Italy’s PM Meloni at the G7 Summit in Alberta to advance cooperation on organized crime, foreign interference, and economic ties. They reaffirmed support for Ukraine and pledged to stay closely engaged.
Canada–EU
Carney met with Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to advance Canada-EU cooperation. They discussed trade, defense, critical minerals, and Ukraine. A follow-up summit is planned for June 23rd in Brussels to sign a Security and Defense Partnership that may bring Canada into the EU's SAFE program.
TRUMP’S EARLY EXIT
As meetings wrapped, we learned that President Trump would leave immediately after the G7 family photo. He reportedly called for Situation Room meetings to be ready upon his return to Washington.
White House pool report:
At 6:33 p.m., leaders emerged for the group photo. Trump stood to Carney’s left as they posed.
In response to shouted questions about his early departure, Trump said:
“I have to be back. You probably see what I see, and I have to be back as soon as I can.”
“I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand.”
Carney, asked about Trump’s departure, replied:
“I’m very grateful for the President’s presence, and I fully understand.”
Following the photo, leaders went to dinner — Trump departed immediately after.
This appears connected to his earlier Tehran tweet and the collapse of the Iran “deal.”
Meanwhile, both China and Russia issued emergency evacuation advisories for their citizens in Israel, urging them to leave by road.
I’ll be updating you in real time as developments unfold. Trump is expected to land in Washington around 12:45 p.m. MT / 2:45 a.m. ET.
COMING UP
To truly understand how packed tomorrow's schedule is, please check out Prime Minister Mark Carney's itinerary:
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