Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the decision to expel Russia from the Group of Eight (G8), now the G7, calling it a “foolish decision” made during the Obama administration.
The G8 originally included Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, Russia was removed in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, with the group relocating its summit from Moscow to Brussels in protest.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the FIFA World Cup Task Force, Trump blamed then-President Barack Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for Russia’s removal. He suggested that had Russia remained in the G8, the conflict in Ukraine might have been avoided, arguing that pressure from fellow leaders could have dissuaded President Vladimir Putin.
“I wasn’t in politics at the time, but I know Obama didn’t want Russia in, and they voted them out,” Trump said. “It was Trudeau and Obama who pushed for it. Because of that decision, maybe millions have died — the actual toll is likely far higher than reported.”
When asked about Russia rejoining the group, Trump responded that “now is not the right time.”