Trump says Russia's G8 expulsion was a 'mistake' at G7 summit

Russia was otherwise banished from the G8 in 2014 after it annexed Crimea in a move that the international community considered to be in breach of international law. Its members have since operated as the G7, which also includes Canada, Italy, the U.S., France, Germany, the U.K. and Japan.

Trump Reprises Claim About Ukraine War
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump repeated his claim that Russia's expulsion has degraded global security. "You wouldn't have war right now if you had Russia in the group," he said, asserting that the conflict in Ukraine would not have escalated had he been president in 2022.

His comments follow splits between the G7 members over Russia's involvement on the world stage and the wider Middle Eastern crisis. This year's meeting is not expected to end with a joint statement, underscoring divisions within the group.

Zelenskyy to Raise Weapons Purchase
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate in the summit on Tuesday. On a visit to Austria, he said his meeting with Trump would centre on Ukraine's need for new defensive weapons and not solicit a further injection of assistance.

"We are ready to buy and I am sure we are going to talk about it," Zelenskyy said.

G7 Displays Schism on Russia
European powers are worried about Trump's recent indication of support for Russia's role in Middle East diplomacy, including mediating between Iran and Israel. One EU diplomat called the summit a "tough G7" for Europe, noting the increasing divergence in policy with the US.

In another announcement, Russia's foreign ministry said Washington had called off imminent bilateral discussions. No reason was offered, but the stoppage mirrors an impasse in attempts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.