Trump Slams Russia’s G8 Exit, Calls It a ‘Big Mistake’
Speaking at the G7 summit in Alberta, U.S. President Donald Trump reignited debate over Russia’s exclusion from the former G8 group, calling it a “big mistake” and placing direct blame on former President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump argued that diplomatic isolation of Russia worsened global tensions and suggested that the war in Ukraine might have been averted had Russia remained part of the group.
“The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn’t want to have Russia in… I would say that was a mistake, because I think you wouldn’t have a war right now if you had Russia in, and you wouldn’t have a war right now if Trump were president four years ago,” Trump said during a press interaction. He added, “Too much water has gone over the dam,” acknowledging that reintegration now may not be realistic.
Trump G7 Russia
Trump’s remarks signal a major departure from the current G7 consensus, where most members advocate continued pressure on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. Instead, Trump argued for re-engagement and floated the possibility of not only reinstating Russia but also including China in future global summits to widen diplomatic dialogue.
Summit Tensions
The comments introduced friction at an already tense summit, where leaders from Europe and Canada pushed for tougher sanctions and a unified stance against Russian aggression. Trump, however, continued to stress that imposing sanctions is costly and should not fall disproportionately on the United States. He also left the summit early to return to Washington for urgent security meetings amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
G8 Exclusion Debate
Trump’s push to re-evaluate the decision to remove Russia from the G8 in 2014 challenges the dominant Western narrative that the move was necessary following the annexation of Crimea. By questioning its effectiveness, Trump has reignited long-standing debates over whether global isolation or engagement is a more effective deterrent to authoritarian aggression.
His comments also suggest a broader rethinking of international forums, with emphasis on inclusivity over punitive measures. Trump’s statements have drawn mixed reactions, with critics calling it appeasement and supporters framing it as pragmatic diplomacy.
