US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions among G7 leaders by declaring that removing Russia from the former G8 was a “big mistake”. Standing beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said the bloc was wrong to expel Russia in 2014 over the annexation of Crimea. Trump believes that Russia’s absence limits diplomatic solutions to key conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
“The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace,” French President Emmanuel Macron said, emphasizing the need for tougher sanctions on Russia. However, Trump thinks that if Russia hadn’t been ejected, “Russia would not have invaded Ukraine in 2022”. This stance has sparked intense debate, with some arguing that welcoming Russia back without preconditions would signal weakness and embolden authoritarian regimes.
Trump’s advocacy for Russia’s reinstatement drew bipartisan condemnation and resistance from current G7 leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau firmly opposed the idea. European Council President Donald Tusk also splashed cold water on Trump’s call, saying “Let’s leave seven as it is. It’s a lucky number”. British Prime Minister Theresa May echoed similar sentiments, stating that the G8 became the G7 for a reason, and Russia needs to amend its ways before any discussions can begin.
Trump’s comments have injected fresh energy into the discussion about Russia’s potential return to the G7. However, whether these comments will translate into actual policy changes remains uncertain. The Biden administration and other Western leaders have shown no indication of softening their stance, maintaining that Russia must first adhere to international law.
In a broader context, Trump’s call for Russia’s return has raised questions about the G7’s foundational values—democracy, economic stability, and human rights—and whether allowing Russia back into the fold would undermine these principles. As the situation continues to unfold, world leaders are weighing in on the potential consequences of reintroducing Russia to the G7.