Trump supports Russia’s comeback at G7, hints at including China.
During the G7 summit, Donald Trump expressed support for the reintegration of Russia and suggested the possibility of including China. US President Donald Trump, during the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, advocated for Russia’s reintegration into the group and even proposed the inclusion of China. In a discussion with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump expressed his disapproval of Russia’s 2014 removal from the G8, following its annexation of Crimea, labeling it a “very big mistake” that has rendered international diplomacy “more complicated”.
“If Russia were still in, I don’t think you’d have a war right now,” Trump declared, adding, “If Trump were president four years ago, there would be no war.” He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin felt “very insulted” by the G8 expulsion and has subsequently declined to interact with other G7 leaders, apart from Trump himself. Trump erroneously attributes the expulsion of Russia from the G8 to Trudeau. He attributed the orchestration of Russia’s removal to former US President Barack Obama and “a person named Trudeau.” Nevertheless, the decision was established prior to Trudeau’s assumption of office under his predecessor, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The comments were made as Trump readied himself for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to deliberate on the continuing conflict initiated by Russia’s 2022 invasion. The G7 summit is commencing in Canada, emphasizing trade issues and geopolitical conflicts, while aiming to avoid provoking President Trump. Donald Trump, President of the United States As Donald Trump makes his return to the G7 summit, the divide with allies has intensified further.
Trump expressed no objections to China’s inclusion in the G7. In response to inquiries from the press regarding China’s potential participation, Trump expressed a lack of objections, stating, “It’s not a bad idea…” “If someone wishes to observe solely China’s emergence, I have no objections to that.” His remarks seemed to question the existing framework of the G7, which consists solely of liberal democracies: the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, with the European Union also taking part.
Carney sought to alleviate tensions by commending US leadership, describing the G7 as “rudderless” in its absence. Nonetheless, Trump rejected multiple Canadian proposals, asserting, “They’re good, but mine are better”. On trade, Trump reaffirmed his hardline tariff stance, stating, “I’m a tariff person…” It is straightforward, uncomplicated, and accurate. His stance diverged from Carney’s advocacy for enhanced collaborative trade initiatives, especially given Canada’s ongoing challenges with high US tariffs on its steel, aluminium, and automotive exports.
‘Iran is not winning this conflict’ The US president also commented on the tensions in West Asia, asserting that Iran “is not winning this war” and encouraging the nation to reinitiate discussions “before it’s too late.” He reiterated robust US backing for Israel, notwithstanding the intensifying regional conflict. Trump’s remarks sharply diverged from the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by G7 leaders aimed at preserving unity in the face of global instability. The summit is taking place against a backdrop of pressing dialogues concerning trade, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
The White House on Monday confirmed that Trump would abbreviate his visit in response to the crisis in West Asia. “President Trump had a great day at the G7…” “But because of what’s going on in the Middle East (West Asia), he will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
