Russia should be in G8 – Trump US President Donald Trump stated that Russia should not have been expelled from the G8, proposing that its continued membership might have averted the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Russia was removed from the G8 in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea, with European leaders opposing its return unless its policies on Ukraine change. Moscow, on the other hand, views the G7 as having diminished global economic relevance and has focused on other international forums like the G20 and BRICS.

• Donald Trump believes Russia’s expulsion from the G8 was a mistake that may have contributed to the Ukraine conflict.
• Russia was removed from the G8 (now G7) in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea.
• European leaders have opposed Russia’s return to the G7, citing its policies on Ukraine.
• Russia has stated it is relieved to have left the G8 and views the G7 as having lost relevance.
• Moscow has been strengthening cooperation through other platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.