Donald Trump at the G7: Criticism of Russia’s Expulsion and the Zelenskyy Meeting U-Turn

The G7 summit of 2025, held in the picturesque coastal town of Taormina, Italy, brought together world leaders to address pressing issues ranging from climate change to global security. Yet it was former U.S. President Donald Trump’s outspoken remarks that stole headlines. Trump lambasted the decision to permanently expel Russia from the G7 and announced plans to meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—only to reverse course hours later. This article unpacks the context, reactions, and potential ramifications of Trump’s provocative intervention.

Background: Russia’s Expulsion from the G7

In 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the G8 effectively became the G7 when leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States excluded Moscow. The exclusion served as a diplomatic rebuke of Russia’s violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Over the years, countries have debated whether to reintegrate Russia as geopolitical tensions fluctuated, but the official stance remained: Russia’s readmission would require a credible Ukrainian-led peace settlement.

Why the G7 Decision Matters

The G7 represents the world’s largest advanced economies, coordinating on issues such as trade policy, climate change mitigation, and international security. Russia’s expulsion symbolized a united Western front against aggression, bolstering economic sanctions and military assistance for Ukraine. Critics of the exclusion argue it hampers dialogue, while proponents view it as essential leverage in negotiations.

Trump’s Criticism of the Russia Expulsion

At the leaders’ dinner on Day 2 of the summit, Trump reportedly described the permanent expulsion of Russia as “short-sighted” and “counterproductive.” He argued that engaging directly with President Vladimir Putin would yield better results on arms control, counterterrorism, and energy security.

A Break with G7 Consensus

Trump’s remarks broke sharply with the unified stance of current U.S. President and fellow G7 members. While European leaders generally support sustained pressure on Russia, Trump suggested a “grand bargain” that would ease sanctions in exchange for commitments on Ukraine’s territorial integrity—a proposal many diplomats characterized as naïve at best and dangerous at worst.

Reactions from Other Leaders

• French President: Emmanuel Macron called the idea of a new “G8” including Russia “premature” without clear progress on a Minsk II peace framework.
• German Chancellor: Olaf Scholz emphasized that Russia’s actions had “undermined trust” and that re-admission should be contingent on irreversible steps to end the war.
• UK Prime Minister: Rishi Sunak noted that diplomatic channels should remain open but insisted that sanctions remain the “primary tool” to deter aggression.

The Zelenskyy Meeting U-Turn

In the same address, Trump announced plans to meet President Zelenskyy at the G7 sidelines. Such an encounter would have marked the first face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and a former U.S. leader since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Initial Announcement

“I look forward to shaking hands with President Zelenskyy,” Trump declared, suggesting he would offer “fresh ideas” on ending the conflict. The announcement prompted praise from Ukrainian officials eager for broader international support.

Rapid Retraction

Less than 12 hours later, Trump told reporters he had “decided not to meet” Zelenskyy, citing scheduling conflicts. White House staff in Taormina expressed surprise, with one unnamed aide calling the reversal “chaotic.”

Speculated Motives

Analysts suggest several possible reasons for the pivot:

• Political Calculus: Trump may have sought to appease pro-Russia factions within his base ahead of a 2028 presidential bid.
• Diplomatic Pushback: G7 partners might have warned that a high-profile meeting would undermine the summit’s cohesion.
• Logistical Challenges: Official sources hint at last-minute security concerns and protocol disagreements.

Media and Public Reaction

Global media outlets dissected Trump’s every word. The Guardian described his intervention as “a unilateral move that risks fracturing the Western alliance.” U.S. cable news channels traded barbs, with supporters lauding Trump’s “bold diplomacy” and critics accusing him of “reckless brinkmanship.”

Social Media Response

On platforms like Twitter and X, hashtags such as #TrumpG7Uturn and #HandsOffUkraine trended for days. Polls indicated a divided American public: roughly 48% approved of Trump’s call for engagement with Russia, while 52% felt he had overstepped.

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy

Trump’s statements spotlight a broader debate over America’s global role. Engagement proponents argue that dialogue—even with adversaries—can defuse tensions. Hardliners counter that concessions reward bad behavior and weaken deterrence.

Prospects for G7 Unity

If the former president’s vision gains traction within Republican circles, future U.S. delegations could face internal pressure to seek détente with Moscow. Such a shift might complicate joint sanctions enforcement and military aid commitments to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Position

Ukrainian officials tread carefully. While grateful for any diplomatic spotlight, they emphasize negotiations must uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. A meeting under unfavorable terms could inadvertently legitimize Russian claims.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

As the G7 wraps up, eyes turn to upcoming events:

1. UN Security Council Session: Russia is expected to challenge new sanctions proposals.
2. NATO Summit: Discussions on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine will take center stage.
3. EU-Russia Talks: Proposed by France, these could test Europe’s unity on sanctions.

Meanwhile, observers will watch former President Trump’s statements for clues about the Republican Party’s evolving stance on Russia and Ukraine—an issue likely to shape U.S. elections and transatlantic relations alike.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s blunt critique of Russia’s ongoing exclusion from the G7, coupled with his abrupt reversal on meeting President Zelenskyy, underscored fault lines within Western diplomacy. By challenging the consensus, Trump injected uncertainty into an already fraught geopolitical landscape. Whether his vision of re-engagement with Moscow will gain momentum remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: debates over strategy, solidarity, and the very principles of the G7 will continue long after the summit’s end.