As the U.S. faces a wave of protests after George Floyd’s death in police custody, President Trump had an interesting conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. In a phone call on Monday, Trump shared his idea of expanding G7 – possibly inviting Russia – with his Moscow counterpart, as both the Kremlin and the White House confirmed.
According to the White House statement on the call, Trump and Putin discussed – among other issues – "progress toward convening the G7”.
The UK and Canada have immediately reacted to the possibility, speaking out against Russia’s potential re-admittance to the group. Russia was suspended from its membership after the annexation of Ukrainian Crimea in 2014, and the country has not yet stopped its aggression towards Ukraine.
Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the UK would not support Russia's return to the G7 "unless it ceases aggressive and destabilizing activity that threatens the safety of the UK citizens and the collective security of our allies”.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in turn, stated that “[Russia’s] continued disrespect and flaunting of international rules and norms is why it remains outside of the G7 and why it will continue to remain out.”
Any decisions on G7 membership must have the unanimous support of all member-states.
On Saturday, Trump said he would postpone the G7 summit until September. The decision came after Chancellor Angela Merkel declined to participate in person due to the risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donald Trump also suggested expanding the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India.
“I don’t feel that as a G7 it properly represents what’s going on in the world. It’s a very outdated group of countries,” the U.S. President stated.