On Thursday, President Donald Trump expressed his wish for Russia to rejoin the G7, from which it was ousted in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea. Speaking from the White House, Trump described the removal of Moscow from what was then the G8 as a "mistake" and suggested that Russia's continued presence might have prevented the conflict in Ukraine. "I would love to have them back. I suppose it was a mistake to expel them," the president stated, adding that if he had been president at the time, Russia "would never have attacked Ukraine."
Revisiting an Ongoing Issue
This topic isn't new. In June 2020, Trump remarked that it was "common sense" to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the G7, arguing that it would be much easier to address various issues if Moscow were represented at the meeting. "Many of the things we talk about are about Putin," Trump mentioned in an interview with Fox News Radio, adding, "You have to have him in the room... to get things done."
Negotiating Peace in Ukraine
Trump also reiterated his intention to facilitate negotiations to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, stating that Kyiv must be part of any agreement, alongside Moscow and other involved parties. In response to criticism for prioritizing contact with Vladimir Putin over Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump defended himself by explaining that he "first wanted to determine Russia's willingness for an agreement."
Potential Summit with Putin and Xi Jinping
Additionally, Trump did not rule out a potential trilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he noted that such a summit would only occur once "things calm down a bit." "I could see it happening, let's allow things to settle down a little," the president remarked when asked about the possibility of a summit with both leaders.
Trump's statements indicate a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, opening the door to new dynamics in relationships with both Russia and China.
Understanding the G7 and Russia's Role
Why was Russia expelled from the G7?
Russia was expelled from the G7 in 2014 due to its annexation of Crimea, an act widely condemned by the international community.
How does Trump's proposal affect U.S. foreign policy?
Trump's proposal to readmit Russia to the G7 suggests a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, indicating a willingness to engage with Russia and possibly altering the dynamics of international relations.
What are the implications of a trilateral summit with China and Russia?
A trilateral summit involving the U.S., China, and Russia could redefine global power structures and foster a platform for resolving international issues, provided it occurs under stable circumstances.