US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that it is not an appropriate time to allow Russia to rejoin the Group of Seven (G-7), signaling a reversal from his previous remarks supporting Moscow’s return. Speaking during a session with his World Cup task force, Trump addressed questions about foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with particular emphasis on Russia’s role and exclusion from the G-7 bloc.

“I think it’s not good timing now,” Trump said during the meeting, referencing recent diplomatic challenges and failed progress in peace talks with the Kremlin. This comes just months after he publicly declared support for Russia's re-entry into the G-7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Trump previously argued in February 2025 that Russia's exclusion from the G-7 may have contributed to President Vladimir Putin’s aggression, specifically referencing Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia was removed from the then G-8 in 2014, following its controversial annexation of Crimea, which was widely condemned by the international community as a violation of international law.

At that time, Trump stated, “I’d love to have them back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out.” He implied that keeping Putin at the negotiating table with other powerful nations might have deterred the invasion.

However, Trump’s latest comments suggest a more cautious approach as his attempts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine face significant obstacles. Putin is reportedly demanding substantial territorial concessions from Ukraine as a precondition for peace—terms that both Kyiv and much of the international community find unacceptable.

Trump acknowledged the failure of recent diplomatic attempts, saying, “We missed that gate with another great decision by some people that shouldn’t have been making decisions.” While he did not specify which individuals or nations he was referring to, the statement seemed to express frustration over missed opportunities and internal disagreements within the diplomatic process.

Despite his revised stance, Trump reiterated his belief that having Russia in the G-7 could serve as a diplomatic deterrent. “If he was sitting around the table with other people — seven people hammering him and saying, ‘let’s not do this’ — you wouldn’t probably have had the problems that you’ve had,” he said.

Trump has on multiple occasions during both his presidencies suggested that Russia should not have been removed from the G-7. However, the group remains firm in its opposition to Russia’s reinstatement without a full withdrawal from Ukraine and adherence to international laws.

The issue has sparked ongoing debate among global leaders, especially as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year with mounting civilian casualties and widespread destruction. European nations remain largely united against Russia's readmission, citing not only the annexation of Crimea but also human rights violations, war crimes allegations, and continued military aggression.

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration faces internal pressures and criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who caution against engaging with Putin under current circumstances. Foreign policy experts have also warned that reinstating Russia prematurely could legitimize its actions in Ukraine, damaging global norms and democratic institutions.

In addition to these tensions, the international economic order continues to adapt to the consequences of the Ukraine conflict, including energy disruptions, refugee crises, and inflationary pressures. The G-7 plays a key role in addressing these global economic and security concerns, making decisions about its membership particularly consequential.

Trump’s comments come at a time when his foreign policy direction is under close global scrutiny, especially with the next G-7 summit approaching and multiple world leaders expected to raise the issue of Russia and Ukraine.

Russia itself has downplayed the need to rejoin the G-7, focusing instead on strengthening ties with BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and promoting an alternative economic and political narrative in contrast to the Western-led G-7.

Putin has previously said that Russia is no longer interested in rejoining forums that do not respect its sovereignty or global role. His administration continues to argue that the G-7 has become an ideologically homogeneous group that does not tolerate differing geopolitical perspectives.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the global community remains divided over the right approach to containing Russia’s expansionist policies while preventing escalation into a broader conflict.

For now, Trump’s decision to oppose Russia's reentry into the G-7 signals a pragmatic retreat from earlier rhetoric and a recognition that geopolitical realities have shifted significantly. Whether this shift translates into policy change or remains political posturing remains to be seen.

Ultimately, the debate around Russia’s G-7 membership reflects broader global anxieties about international cooperation, diplomacy, and the future of world order in the face of authoritarian resurgence and prolonged conflict.

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