Have you missed the latest events on the war in Ukraine? 20 Minutes takes stock for you every evening. Here is the gist of this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, on the 1,574th day of the conflict.
Fact of the day
This was one of the main announcements of this last day of the G7 summit which had been held in Evian, in Haute-Savoie, since June 14. The United States and Europeans from the G7 will produce “under license” in Ukraine long-range missiles and anti-aircraft defense systems. This will allow Ukraine to increase its military production.
In a joint declaration, heads of state and government of member states agreed “to increase the provision of air defense capabilities, additional systems and interceptors as well as long-range capabilities.”
“We will produce […] deep strike capabilities”, i.e. long-range missiles, a diplomatic source commented, adding that it was “a very strong element of commitment”, to “produce faster, stronger in Ukraine”.
Today’s statement
« We are committed to increasing pressure, including by strengthening our sanctions and this remobilization of the G7 (…) is extremely important »
At the end of the G7 summit, the French president did not fail to welcome the “remobilization” around Ukraine of the heads of state present in Evian, with the aim of increasing pressure on Russia.
“We are committed to increasing pressure, including by strengthening our sanctions and this remobilization of the G7 […] is extremely important,” he stressed, specifying that on Ukraine, “this is the first time that we have had such convergence in the G7. And this is the first time that we have made such clear conclusions.”
The number of the day
27. The members of the European Union – 27 in number – are wondering how to relaunch peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, while the latter is now on the defensive, according to several European officials.
“In any future scenario, the EU will have interests to defend, so it is important to have established diplomatic channels with Russia,” one of them said. Adding: “The EU is not a mediator. It supports Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
In the meantime, the office of the President of the European Council, António Costa, would have had “brief diplomatic contacts” with the Kremlin to open these famous “communication channels”. “But nothing was discussed in substance,” said a European official.
The trend
Donald Trump took an unexpected turn in favor of Ukraine at the G7 summit. The Republican billionaire, who readily claims to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, notably agreed to a prolonged and improvised exchange with the French and Ukrainian presidents. And even went so far as to mention – in vague terms, however – the reimposition of sanctions on Russian oil.
The one who has the habit of ignoring, or even tearing up, the communiqués resulting from these major diplomatic meetings, also agreed to sign the joint declaration of the seven leaders on Ukraine concerning the production of long-range missiles and anti-aircraft defense systems (which we spoke to you about above). Amazing !
