The U.S. is facing pushback over its reluctance to label Russia as the aggressor in the G7’s upcoming statement. This comes as the world marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Officials from several Western countries are concerned this disagreement could disrupt the unity that the G7 typically displays.
There’s also uncertainty about whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join a virtual G7 summit scheduled for Monday, as no agreement has been reached yet.
Recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump have added to the tension. He blamed Ukraine for the ongoing war, referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections,” and suggested that Russia should be welcomed back into the G7. This shift in tone has raised eyebrows among allies.
According to sources, U.S. officials are hesitant to use terms like “Russian aggression,” which have been common in G7 statements since the conflict began. One official noted, “We need to make it clear that Russia and Ukraine are not the same.” Despite these objections, there is hope for a resolution.
A recent example of this dissonance occurred when a news conference planned after a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump’s envoy for Ukraine was abruptly canceled at the U.S.’s request. Initially, Zelenskyy was set to address the media alongside the envoy, Keith Kellogg, but the event was called off shortly after it began. The Ukrainian presidential office confirmed that Zelenskyy described his conversation with Kellogg as “good and detailed,” focusing on the battlefield situation and security guarantees.
Last year, G7 leaders explicitly pointed to “Russia’s aggression” in their statements, but the current language seems to be softening. The 2024 statement currently under discussion shifts away from direct criticism of Russia, emphasizing the need for Moscow to withdraw forces from Ukraine.
This shift aligns with a broader change in U.S. policy, as officials now often refer to the situation as the “Ukraine conflict.” Recent communications from the U.S. Department of State reflect similar language, contributing to the overall shift in narrative.
Trump’s recent comments show a clear preference for easing tensions with Russia. He has made inaccurate claims about Zelenskyy’s popularity, drastically underestimating public support for the Ukrainian leader, which now stands at 57% according to recent polls.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded positively to this change in U.S. rhetoric, expressing approval of the Trump administration’s approach. He appreciated the U.S. negotiators for their openness in discussions, contrasting them with previous interactions.
Check out this related article: Former NFL Punter Chris Kluwe Arrested During Protest Against California City’s Tribute to Donald Trump
Source link