Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor on Saturday said Ukraine has seized momentum on the battlefield against Russia, arguing that recent gains by Kyiv's forces helped reinforce support from leaders gathered at the Group of Seven summit.
Appearing on Newsmax TV's "Saturday Report," Taylor said Ukrainian forces have shifted the balance in the conflict by taking the initiative against Russian troops while inflicting losses that Moscow is struggling to replace.
"While people were looking at Iran, the Ukrainians have taken the initiative," Taylor said. "The Ukrainians are on the front foot, putting the Russians on the back foot."
Taylor's remarks came days after President Donald Trump joined other G7 leaders in expressing support for Ukraine and backing additional sanctions against Russia.
During the summit, Trump told a gathering of world leaders, "I'm the boss," while discussions focused on a range of global issues, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
According to Taylor, Ukraine's recent battlefield performance has altered the dynamics of the conflict.
"The Ukrainians are taking more territory from the Russians than the Russians are taking from the Ukrainians," he said. "The Ukrainians, frankly ... are killing more Russians, killing and wounding more Russians than the Russians can recruit."
Taylor argued that the mounting losses have given Ukraine a strategic advantage and helped solidify support among Western allies.
"So the Ukrainians have the momentum, and the G7 recognized that," he said.
The former ambassador also said the summit demonstrated continued backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy despite questions in recent months about the future of Western aid and support.
"All members of the G7, including President Trump, have supported the Ukrainians, including President Zelenskyy, while he was there with them," Taylor said of the summit in France.
Ukraine has sought to maintain international support as the war with Russia continues into its fourth year.
Kyiv has repeatedly urged Western nations to provide military assistance, financial aid, and diplomatic backing while imposing additional economic pressure on Moscow.
The G7, whose members are the U.S., Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, has consistently backed Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
Leaders have used recent summits to coordinate sanctions, military assistance, and reconstruction efforts aimed at supporting Kyiv and increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
Taylor said Ukraine's recent successes on the battlefield demonstrate that the country remains capable of challenging Russian forces and strengthening its position as the conflict continues.
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