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Russia needs to come to a peaceful settlement of the situation in southeastern Ukraine and resolve the issue with Crimea to return to the G8, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in an interview with the Rheinische Post. US President Donald Trump made a proposal to return Russia to the G8 in early June.
In March 2014, after the annexation of Crimea to Russia, Western countries announced a return to the G7 format - without Russia's participation. One of the topics at subsequent G7 summits was the expansion and maintenance of sanctions against Russia. Moscow continued to participate in the G20 summits.
“The reason for the expulsion (from the G8) of Russia was the annexation of Crimea and the intervention in eastern Ukraine. Until we have a decision, I do not see any chances for this (restoration of the G8),” the minister said.
Mr. Maas added that Russia needs to "do a lot to open the doors again." “We are working in the Normandy format to resolve eastern Ukraine and implement the Minsk agreements. But we do not forget that Crimea is also part of Ukraine. We cannot accept the fact that in the 21st century, borders in Europe change for no reason,” he said.
Previously, the idea of restoring the G8 format, returning Russia, was not supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the Prime Ministers of Great Britain and Canada, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau.
In March 2014, after the annexation of Crimea to Russia, Western countries announced a return to the G7 format - without Russia's participation. One of the topics at subsequent G7 summits was the expansion and maintenance of sanctions against Russia. Moscow continued to participate in the G20 summits.
“The reason for the expulsion (from the G8) of Russia was the annexation of Crimea and the intervention in eastern Ukraine. Until we have a decision, I do not see any chances for this (restoration of the G8),” the minister said.
Mr. Maas added that Russia needs to "do a lot to open the doors again." “We are working in the Normandy format to resolve eastern Ukraine and implement the Minsk agreements. But we do not forget that Crimea is also part of Ukraine. We cannot accept the fact that in the 21st century, borders in Europe change for no reason,” he said.
Previously, the idea of restoring the G8 format, returning Russia, was not supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the Prime Ministers of Great Britain and Canada, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau.
Sources: https://www.kommersant.ru
Author: Anna Dorozhkina
