Russia's response was too unexpected! After Trump said that excluding Russia from the G8 was a mistake, Russia officially responded. On June 17, the Kremlin issued a statement claiming that it agreed with Trump's remarks that excluding Russia from the Group of Eight was a mistake. To be honest, since the Ukraine-Russia war, Russia's cooperation with developing countries has become increasingly close, and its strategy has been looking more and more towards the East. However, what was somewhat surprising was that Russia still showed interest in the G8.
Why does Russia agree with Trump's statement? There are at least three reasons for this. First, from Russia's perspective, easing relations with the United States is in line with Russia's interests. Russia undoubtedly sees this as an effort by the U.S. to woo Russia. Second, the G7 itself is also a significant global economic forum where member states have considerable influence in international economic and political spheres. Russia is interested in this kind of influence.
Third, if Russia could rejoin the G8, it would mean that Russia will repair its relations with Western countries, and major countries might lift sanctions on Russia. Russian energy may return to the Western market, and Western countries will reinvest in Russia and engage in technical cooperation. Perhaps, frozen funds or assets by the West will also be unfrozen, which is very attractive for Russia.
If the reentry into the G8 succeeds, Russia's geopolitical environment will significantly improve. In fact, deep down, Russia has always been oriented towards the West, and deviating from the West is an inevitable choice for Russia. Therefore, regardless of whether Trump is sincere or insincere, Russia still hopes to ease relations with Western countries. However, at present, Russia's return to the G8 is impossible, especially now that the end of the Ukraine-Russia war seems far off.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835177378547227/
Disclaimer: The article only represents the views of the author.