President Trump on Monday started the Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada by arguing it was a mistake to kick Russia out of the group extra a decade in the past.
“The G-7 was once the G-8. Barack Obama and an individual named [former Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau did not wish to have Russia in, and I’d say that was a mistake, as a result of I believe you would not have a warfare proper now if you happen to 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 warfare, and whereas Russian and Ukrainian officers have met for direct talks, there was little progress towards a cease-fire.
Trump spoke Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one in every of a number of the 2 leaders have held since Trump started his second time period. Trump is anticipated to have a gathering whereas in Canada with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G-7. Trump has met Zelensky in individual twice, as soon as on the White Home throughout a risky 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 transferring ahead.
“I wouldn’t thoughts that,” Trump mentioned of China’s inclusion. “If somebody needs to recommend China.”