Germany Rejects G8 Idea with Russia: Chancellor Merz's Statement After the Summit

Germany's Rejection of Russia's Return to the G8

The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, rejected the idea of Russia's return to the Group of Eight (G8) at a press conference following the G20 summit held in Johannesburg. Merz emphasized that currently there is no willingness among the six current G7 members, apart from America, to readmit Russia into this group.

Russia was excluded from the G8 in 2014, and the question of its membership in the G7 has not been raised since the onset of a full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022. It is worth noting that at the last G7 summit, former US President Donald Trump described Russia's exclusion as 'a big mistake.' The G7 countries include:

• USA
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Canada
• Japan

The European Union is also a separate member of this group.

Germany's Position and the International Situation

Merz noted that a return to the G8 format is only possible by consensus among all participants. He added that there are no prerequisites for the reintegration of Moscow. Vladimir Putin last attended the G20 summit in 2019.

Thus, Germany's position as one of the key players in the G7 remains clear: Russia's return to the international group is only possible under conditions of global consensus and stability in the region.

This statement by Chancellor Merz underscores the existing discrepancies in international politics regarding Russia and its actions in Ukraine.

In light of the ongoing conflict and global challenges, the unification of the G7 countries' positions remains crucial for ensuring stability and security in international relations. Russia's return to the G8 seems unlikely until substantial changes occur in its foreign policy and relations with neighboring countries.