G7 leaders meet amid rising global tensions, Trump calls Russia’s removal a ‘mistake’

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations began their annual summit on Monday against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as U.S. President Donald Trump reignited debate over Russia’s exclusion from the group.

The summit, taking place in Kananaskis, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, brings together leaders from the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union. With the Israel-Iran conflict intensifying, the meeting is seen as a critical opportunity to foster unity among leading democracies.

However, signs of discord quickly emerged. A U.S. official confirmed that Trump would not endorse a draft statement calling for de-escalation between Israel and Iran.

Standing beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said the 2014 decision to remove Russia from the then-Group of Eight, following its annexation of Crimea, was a mistake. “You wouldn’t have that war,” Trump argued. “You keep your enemies at the table. He wasn’t even an enemy back then.”

In an effort to avoid a repeat of the 2018 Quebec summit—when Trump abruptly withdrew U.S. support for the final communique—Canada has opted not to push for a unified closing statement. Instead, leaders have prepared several draft documents on key topics such as artificial intelligence, migration, and critical mineral supply chains. According to sources, none of these drafts have received U.S. approval so far.

European leaders reportedly agree on most issues, but one European diplomat noted, “Without Trump’s backing, there’s uncertainty over whether any declarations will be issued.”

Trump’s second term has already upended key foreign policy areas—raising concerns over his closer alignment with Moscow, unsettling allies with tariffs, and casting doubt over U.S. support for Ukraine.

Monday’s discussions are expected to focus on economic matters, trade, and China. But efforts to adjust the G7’s price cap on Russian oil face challenges. A recent spike in global oil prices, triggered by Israel’s June 12 strikes on Iran, has complicated negotiations. Prices slightly eased on Monday amid reports Iran was seeking a ceasefire.

The G7 leaders are expected to call for calm and a return to diplomacy in the Middle East. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “There’s consensus for de-escalation. What we need now is clarity on how to achieve that.”

Russia Reemerges as a Divisive Topic

Adding to the tension, Trump’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn criticism. Trump reportedly floated the idea of Moscow playing a mediating role in the Israel-Iran conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed the notion, saying Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine disqualifies it from acting as a neutral intermediary.

A European diplomat remarked, “From Washington’s perspective, there’s no condemnation of Russia for Ukraine, no peace without Moscow, and now even praise for its role with Iran. This will be a very difficult G7 for Europeans.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are scheduled to join the summit on Tuesday. European leaders hope to use both the G7 and next week’s NATO summit to pressure Trump into taking a firmer stance against Russia.

“Our goal at the G7 is to realign our strategies, secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, and push for a durable peace,” Macron stated. “The question is whether President Trump is prepared to support much tougher sanctions on Russia.”