The Blubber

At a news conference with Canadian official Mark Carney, former President Donald Trump repeatedly brought up Russia’s expulsion from what was formerly the G8 in 2014, placing the blame on then-President Barack Obama and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, Trudeau wasn’t in office at the time—Stephen Harper was leading Canada during that period.

Trump described Russia’s removal as a “mistake.”

Russia was expelled from the group in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. In response, President Obama and other global leaders jointly decided to suspend Russia from the group.

A statement released by the G7 at the time read: “International law prohibits the acquisition of part or all of another state’s territory through coercion or force. To do so violates the principles upon which the international system is built. We condemn the illegal referendum held in Crimea in violation of Ukraine’s constitution.”

Discussions are ongoing at the summit to produce a joint statement addressing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told journalists there appeared to be agreement on the need to de-escalate. However, he added that work was still needed to define a shared path forward: “Obviously, what we need to do today is to bring that together and to be clear about how it is to be brought about.”

In short, leaders may share the same goal—but not yet the same approach.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European leaders were drafting a communiqué affirming that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, and that Israel has the right to defend itself.

The lack of an explicit call for de-escalation suggests that consensus may still be elusive.

Meanwhile, CBS News—BBC’s U.S. media partner—is reporting that President Trump is not planning to sign any such joint declaration. Other G7 members are expected to lobby him throughout the day, though persuading him is expected to be a tough task.