A conversation between the French president, Emanuel Macron, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volontimir Zelensky, was recorded by the microphones during the G7 summit, with the two leaders appearing to be discussing, among other things, Zelensky's possibility of meeting with the American president, Donald Trump.
The conversation took place shortly before a meeting of the G7 session. After the greetings were exchanged, Emmanuel Macron asked Volondimir Zelenski how long he was to remain in France as part of the session's work.
The Ukrainian president seemed to reply that he could only remain one more full day, as on the 18th he was to go to Brussels.
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A hot mic at the G7 caught Macron urging Zelensky to extend his stay at the Summit. Zelensky told him he needed to return to Brussels. When Macron asked when a one-on-one with Trump had been arranged, Zelensky appeared to say no - at which point Both realized the mics were... pic.twitter. Com/zuqGVJnpQV— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 16, 2026
The French President then asked him if a "bilateral" meeting was organized, with part of his phrase not being heard clearly.
"With President Trump?" Zelenski reportedly replied.
A brief conversation was followed low-pitched between the two leaders, lasting over 20 seconds, which was not clearly recorded. When Macron heard more clearly again, he said: "Okay, we'll settle it.".
The incident created speculation that the two leaders were trying to avoid being perceived the details of their discussion.
Soon after, Macron referred to an upcoming G7 meeting, before he and Zelensky lowered their voice again.
Complicated Trump - Zelensky relationships
Trump - Zelensky relations have been more complicated than those maintained by the Ukrainian president with other G7 leaders. A typical example is their episode meeting at the White House last February, which resulted in intense confrontation.
At the same time, several European leaders have expressed concern about Donald Trump's unpredictable approach to international politics during his second term.
Volontimir Zelenski continues to seek support for the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States — against Russia.
At the same time, more than four years after the start of the war, Ukraine and Russia still exchange drone attacks and missiles.
Zelensky: The United States is ready to provide support
In a post on the X platform Tuesday, the Ukrainian president referred to a "multimer meeting" with the G7 leaders and thanked his counterparts for their participation.
"The priorities are clear," wrote Zelenski. "More air defense rockets along with licenses for their production, winter support package and boost pressure on Russia. It is also important that the United States is ready to provide support for these efforts.".
Zelenski and Trump finally talked during the session Tuesday. After the meeting, the American president said he believes Russia should reach an agreement with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president posted on social media photos of his conversation with Donald Trump, in which American Foreign Minister Marco Rubio is also distinguished.
"It is always important to coordinate our positions," Zelenski said accompanying the photographs.
Body language expert Judy James told Daily Mail that Trump and Zelenski's attitude "showed a calm, responsible and consensual debate", while estimating that Marco Rubio seemed to take on "the role of coordinator or referee".
She compared Tuesday's meeting with that held by the two leaders in the Vatican last April, prior to Pope Francis' funeral, noting that in both cases they sat "against each other, without auxiliary elements beyond two simple chairs, creating the image of equal status.".
Donald Trump left open the possibility of a new conversation with Volodymir Zelenski during the G7 session.