In a recent statement, President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Russia’s exclusion from the Group of Eight, now known as the G7. The organization, which comprises seven highly industrialized nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, formerly included Russia as a member. However, Russia was excluded from the G8 in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, with the leaders then choosing to hold their summit in Brussels instead of Moscow.
Speaking at the first meeting of the FIFA World Cup Task Force, Trump attributed Russia’s ouster from the G8 to former President Barack Obama and ex-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He stated, “I don’t think I was really in politics at that point, but I know President Obama didn’t like it, and they voted Russia out.” Trump characterized the expulsion as “a foolish decision,” suggesting that Russia might not have initiated the conflict in Ukraine if the other leaders had been more persuasive in their opposition.
Trump emphasized that the G8 was headed by Trudeau and Obama at the time, and they were the ones who “really fought hard to get Russia out.” He further stressed that their actions may have had severe consequences, stating, “They threw them out. Because of that, maybe, millions of people are dying. The numbers are far greater than you think.” When asked about the possibility of Russia returning to the group, Trump responded, “No, I think it’s not good timing now.”
The G7, formerly the G8, is a group of highly industrialized nations that aim to address global issues and promote economic cooperation. The exclusion of Russia from the group has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it was necessary in response to Russia’s actions in Crimea, while others, like Trump, believe that it was a mistake. The conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014, has resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing tensions between Russia and the international community. Trump’s comments have sparked renewed discussion about the role of the G7 and the potential for Russia’s return to the group.
