Trump’s G7 Russia Comments Fuel Summit Divisions

At the 2025 G7 summit in Canada, President Trump criticized the 2014 removal of Russia from the G8, mistakenly blaming then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Obama, though the decision was led by Trudeau's predecessor, Stephen Harper, following Russia's annexation of Crimea. Trump claimed Russia’s exclusion complicated diplomacy and insulted President Putin, but acknowledged that now is not the right time for Russia’s readmission due to recent developments. He also suggested inviting China to join the G7, a proposal rejected by several European leaders who remain wary of expanding the group to include authoritarian states. The summit's agenda includes discussions on trade, global security, and conflicts worldwide, with Ukrainian President Zelensky expected to attend as a guest. Trump's remarks have heightened concerns among G7 allies, who stress the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. These issues have exposed deep divisions among the G7 regarding their approach to Russia and China.