UK rejects minister’s suggestion on Russia rejoining G7

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK on Monday firmly reiterated its opposition to Russia rejoining the G7, following comments made by security minister Dan Jarvis.

Jarvis had implied that the government might consider Russia's return to the international group, but only after the conflict in Ukraine had been resolved.

In an interview, he said such a decision would be "a matter to be discussed with international allies" once the war in Ukraine came to an end.

"That is a matter that no doubt will be considered at the point at which the conflict in Ukraine has been concluded. And we need to get to that point as quickly as we possibly can," Jarvis said.

However, moments later, during a briefing with journalists, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made clear that the UK's stance on Russia’s reentry into the G7 remains unchanged.

"Our position on the G7 just hasn’t changed," the spokesperson said. "We can’t countenance Russia joining the G7 whilst it has got illegal forces in Ukraine. That has been our longstanding position. That position hasn’t changed."

Russia was expelled from G7, then G8, in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea, and its return to the group has remained a contentious issue in international politics.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he would love to have Russia return to the Group of Seven nations.​​​​​​​