Russia had been a member of the G7, then known as the G8, until Moscow was excluded following its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014.
US President Donald Trump hoped Vladimir Putin would love to return to G7. (File photo)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would love to have Russia return to the Group of Seven nations, saying it was a mistake for Moscow to be expelled.
Russia had been a member of the G7 club of industrialised democracies, then known as the G8, until Moscow was excluded following its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014.
"I'd love to have them back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out. Look, it's not a question of liking Russia or not liking Russia. It was the G8," Trump said at the White House when he announced new US reciprocal tariffs.
"I said, 'What are you doing? You guys - all you're talking about is Russia, and they should be sitting at the table.' I think Putin would love to be back".
There was no immediate reaction to Trump's comments from Canada, which is chair of the G7 this year.
Published On:
Feb 14, 2025
Tune In