On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in having Russia return to the Group of Seven nations, stating that it was a mistake to have Moscow expelled. Russia was originally part of the G7 as the G8 until being excluded in 2014 due to the annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region.
During an announcement of new U.S. reciprocal tariffs at the White House, Trump remarked, "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. 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."
Canada, the current chair of the G7, did not immediately respond to Trump's statements.