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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Thursday that he "would love" for Russia to rejoin the G7, from which it was expelled in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
In statements from the White House, Trump described the decision to exclude Moscow from the then G8 as a "mistake" and suggested that its continued presence in the group could have prevented the conflict in Ukraine.
"I would love for them to come back. I suppose it was a mistake to expel them," stated the leader, adding that had he been president at that time, Russia "would never have attacked Ukraine."
The topic is not new
In June 2020, Trump stated that it is "common sense" to invite the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, to return to the G7, claiming that it would be much easier to resolve various issues if Moscow were represented at the meeting.
"Many of the things we talk about are about Putin," said Trump to Fox News Radio in an interview, adding: "We need to have him in the room (...) to get things done."
Negotiations on the war in Ukraine
Trump also reaffirmed his intention to promote negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, stating that Kyiv must be part of any agreement, along with Moscow and other involved parties.
Facing criticism for having prioritized contact with Vladimir Putin over Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump defended himself by arguing that "he first wanted to understand Russia's willingness for an agreement."
Summit with Putin and Xi Jinping
In another part of his speech, Trump did not rule out a trilateral meeting with the presidents of China, Xi Jinping, and Russia, Vladimir Putin, although he noted that this would only happen when "things calm down a bit."
"I could see it, let's allow things to calm down a bit," stated the president when asked about the possibility of a summit with both leaders.
Trump's statements mark a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, opening the door to new dynamics in the relationship with Russia and China.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Possible Return of Russia to the G7 and Trump's Negotiations
Why does Trump believe it was a mistake to expel Russia from the G7?
Donald Trump claims that Russia's expulsion from the G7 was a mistake because he believes that its inclusion could have helped prevent the conflict in Ukraine. According to Trump, with Russia in the group, it would be easier to resolve various international issues, as Moscow would be part of the relevant discussions and decisions.
What actions is Trump taking to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine?
Trump has announced an agreement with Putin to initiate immediate negotiations in order to stop the war in Ukraine. He has appointed a diplomatic team to lead these negotiations and has begun the process by contacting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to inform him of what was discussed with Putin.
What is Zelenski's stance on the negotiations between Trump and Putin?
Zelensky has made it clear that he will not accept bilateral negotiations without Ukraine's participation. Despite this, he has expressed his willingness to work with the United States to achieve lasting peace, thanking Trump for his interest in reaching peace and discussing future joint steps.
What implications could the reintegration of Russia have for the G7?
The reintegration of Russia into the G7 could change the dynamics of international discussions within the group, allowing Moscow to participate in decision-making on critical global issues. This could facilitate conflict resolution where Russia plays a key role, but it would also generate tensions among members who oppose Russia's presence due to its record in Ukraine.
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