"To answer this tweet and Trump’s provocation at the G7 – if Russia does not demonstrate any move forward, and we will invite them back, no one would understand this. [G7] is a group which protects its common interests. I have already said that we are open for Russia’s return but this requires political moves. We should not allow for one more division in Europe, because not everyone in Europe would agree with this decision [to allow Russia to join the G7]," Annen told the ZDF broadcaster.
Trump said ahead of the G7 summit, which took place in Canada over the weekend, that Russia should return to the group. The US president noted that he would recommend the G7 leaders to readmit Russia.
READ MORE: Russia Never Begged for Reinstatement of G8 Group — Foreign Minister
There has been no consensus among the G7 leaders on the issue of Russia’s return to the group. Only Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has openly expressed his support for it.
The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group used to be called G8 before Russia's membership was suspended in 2014 after the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis.
Responding to Trump’s call for Russia’s return to G8, the Kremlin said that Moscow is focused on other negotiating formats.
