Donald Trump has called for Russia to be readmitted to the G7 club of world leaders, opening up a new rift with Europe at the start of an acrimonious summit in Quebec.
The US president argued that country’s suspension, imposed in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea, should be reversed for pragmatic reasons. It marks a dramatic break from the position of Washington’s main European allies, and other parts of Trump administration, who insist that Moscow abides by a peace accord in Ukraine before normal relations are resumed.
His call won instant support from the newest invitee to the G7, the incoming Italian prime minister, Guiseppe Conte, who said tweeted: “I agree with President [Trump]. Russia should re-enter the G8. It is in the interests of all.”
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