G7 unity challenge: Baerbock dismisses Trump's Russia bid
Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, has ruled out any cooperation with Russia within the G7, emphasizing the threat it poses to Europe's security.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday, during a signing ceremony for new tariffs, that expelling Russia from the G8 (now G7) after the annexation of Crimea was a mistake. He expressed a desire for Russia to become a member again. He also noted that Vladimir Putin would like to be readmitted.
Trump expressed his desire for their return, stating that expelling them had been a mistake. He emphasized that the issue was not about liking or disliking Russia but rather about the original G8 structure.
Russia was a member of the G7, then known as the G8, until 2014 when it was expelled following the annexation of Crimea. Baerbock, commenting on Trump's statement, emphasized that there is no possibility of cooperation with Russia within the G7.
In a conversation with Vice President J.D. Vance, Baerbock noted that an "artificial peace" in Ukraine could lead to further Russian aggression, posing a threat to Europe's security.
The role of G7
The G7 comprises seven countries that are among the largest developed economies and democracies globally. The group includes the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada. The leaders of these countries, along with the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, meet annually at political-economic summits.
