Trump Reiterates Russia G7 Return Amid Summit Tensions, US-Russia Talks Postponed

At the 2025 G7 summit in Canada, President Donald Trump strongly advocated for Russia's readmission to the G8, arguing that excluding Russia was a "big mistake" that contributed to the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war. Trump criticized former leaders Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau for supporting Russia's expulsion after its 2014 annexation of Crimea, claiming that having Russia "at the table" would have prevented the conflict. The Kremlin welcomed Trump's remarks, though it downplayed the current relevance of the G7. Meanwhile, European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, called for tightening sanctions on Russia by lowering the oil price cap to reduce Moscow's revenue and pressure it toward ceasefire. The United States has also delayed planned bilateral talks with Russia aimed at restoring diplomatic relations, despite earlier negotiations held earlier in 2025. President Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the summit, where Zelenskyy is expected to push for stronger sanctions on Russia.