Trump said that as an "attacking" country, Russia is losing more troops in Ukraine.

On June 17, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks during a press conference following the conclusion of the G-7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. Trump stated that Russia is losing more soldiers than Ukraine in the ongoing conflict because Russia is the aggressor in the war. This comment was reported by Reuters and later confirmed by other media outlets such as BTA and 24 Chasa. The statement came amid discussions about the broader implications of the war in Ukraine and potential diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

During the press conference, Trump emphasized that being the attacking party puts Russia at a disadvantage on the battlefield. He suggested that this dynamic results in higher casualties for Russian forces compared to Ukrainian ones. His comments were part of a larger conversation about the state of the war and international responses to it. Trump also mentioned having had positive conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he refrained from commenting on whether he believed Putin had become more responsible regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Trump explained that he did not want to make judgments that might hinder his efforts to mediate the situation.

In addition to discussing the military aspects of the conflict, Trump addressed questions about potential sanctions against Russia. He indicated that the United States was considering such measures but was waiting to see how oil prices would develop, noting that they had dropped sharply. This approach suggests a cautious stance on economic pressure, possibly influenced by energy market dynamics and domestic political considerations.

The G-7 summit itself brought together leaders from seven major industrialized nations, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom. These meetings often focus on global issues such as security, trade, climate change, and humanitarian crises. In this instance, the summit included discussions about the war in Ukraine, with some European leaders expressing interest in hosting a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy to explore peace talks. However, Trump's role in these discussions remained somewhat ambiguous, as he focused more on his own perspectives rather than aligning with specific positions taken by other G-7 members.

Trump’s statements reflect a broader pattern of commentary from him regarding the war in Ukraine, where he has frequently criticized both sides while advocating for a negotiated settlement. His remarks about Russia being the aggressor align with common narratives among Western observers who argue that Russia initiated the conflict by invading Ukraine in February 2022. However, Trump’s willingness to engage with Putin and his reluctance to take a firm stance on sanctions highlight the complexities of U.S. foreign policy under his leadership.

As the war continues, the international community remains divided on how best to respond to the crisis. While some countries have imposed significant sanctions on Russia, others have called for increased diplomatic engagement. Trump’s position appears to fall somewhere in between, emphasizing dialogue over punitive measures while acknowledging the challenges posed by the current geopolitical landscape. His comments during the G-7 summit will likely influence future discussions within the U.S. government and among its allies about the appropriate course of action in relation to the conflict in Ukraine.