President Trump started the Group of Seven (G7) summit Monday in Canada by arguing it was a mistake to kick Russia out of the group extra a decade in the past.
“The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named [former Canadian Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in, and I would say that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in,” Trump mentioned throughout his first assembly of the summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Trump has made related feedback up to now. Russia was booted from the group in 2014 for illegally annexing Crimea from Ukraine.
Russia in 2022 launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Trump and his administration have pushed for an finish to the conflict, and whereas Russian and Ukrainian officers have met for direct talks, there was little progress towards a ceasefire.
Trump spoke Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, considered one of a number of talks the 2 leaders have held since Trump started his second time period. Trump is predicted to have a gathering whereas in Canada with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7. Trump has met Zelensky in particular person twice, as soon as on the White Home throughout a unstable bilateral assembly and one other time on the Vatican.
Trump on Monday additionally signaled an openness to inviting China to be a part of the G7 shifting ahead.
“I wouldn’t mind that,” Trump mentioned of China’s inclusion. “If someone wants to suggest China.”
