US President Donald Trump further broke ranks with Group of Seven (G-7) allies on Friday, calling for Russian expulsion from the bloc to end. Departing the White House for a fractious summit with European, Canadian and Japanese leaders, Trump said their 2014 decision to suspend Russia from the group of the world’s most advanced economies — after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region — should be reversed. "I have been Russia’s worst nightmare," Trump claimed, "but with that being said, Russia should be in this meeting. "Why are we having a meeting without Russia being in the meeting? I would recommend — it’s up to them. But Russia should be in the meeting, should be a part of it." Trump’s comments are likely to cause consternation, especially among European allies furious at Russia’s support of separatists in eastern Ukraine, assassination plots against Russian dissidents on European soil and meddling in Western elections, including Trump’s election in the US. The US president has s...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.