Latest news with #then-G8
Vancouver Sun
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
G7 statement supporting Ukraine kiboshed after U.S. demand to ‘water down' language
KANANASKIS, ALTA. — A joint G7 statement supporting Ukraine in the face of its invasion by Russia was kiboshed during the summit after the U.S. refused to sign on unless it was watered down, according to a Canadian government official. Coming into the two-day summit of the world's wealthiest economies, the source said six of the seven member countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and the U.K.) had agreed on 'strong language' for a statement supporting Ukraine. But the shared statement hit a fatal roadblock when it was presented to the Americans on Saturday, the official said during a background briefing for reporters. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The U.S. delegation said it would only sign on if the language was watered down significantly, said the source. They added that the Americans were reluctant to endorse the communiqué's 'strong language' as they try to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiation table. The source was not able to detail what in the draft statement the U.S. wanted watered down. But the changes were too significant for the other six states and the impasse was never resolved, the source said. Instead, much of the text from the failed joint statement is expected to find its way into Canada's closing statement as chair of this G7 summit. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The impasse illustrates the growing divide within the G7 on certain issues like the war in Ukraine, with some observers suggesting that the summit is looking more like the G6 plus U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has been far less critical of Putin and his invasion of Ukraine than his G7 compatriots during his presidency, going so far as calling for the Russian leader to rejoin the summit. Monday, Trump told reporters during a photo op with Prime Minister Mark Carney that excluding Russia from the then-G8 in 2014 was a 'big mistake.' At the time, Russia was excluded after its invasion of Crimea, a prelude to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine years later. The lack of a joint G7 statement supporting Ukraine is all the more notable because Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Canada to attend part of the summit. All leaders except Trump, who left the summit abruptly Monday evening to tend to the growing conflict between Israel and Iran, also attended a meeting session on the situation in Ukraine Tuesday morning. During a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, Mark Carney announced further Canadian sanctions against dozens of Russian organizations or individuals and over $4 billion in additional support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked Carney for his invitation and his 'very important words, warm words' and support for Ukraine. 'Ukraine has had, our family has had, a very difficult night, one of the biggest attacks from the very beginning of this war,' said Zelenskyy said, alluding to an overnight missile attack on Kyiv, which he said killed 12 people and injured 130. 'It was a big attack on civilian infrastructure.' National Post, with additional reporting from Tyler Dawson. cnardi@ Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
G7 statement supporting Ukraine kiboshed after U.S. demand to ‘water down' language
KANANASKIS, ALTA. — A joint G7 statement supporting Ukraine in the face of its invasion by Russia was kiboshed during the summit after the U.S. refused to sign on unless it was watered down, according to a Canadian government official. Article content Coming into the two-day summit of the world's wealthiest economies, the source said six of the seven member countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and the U.K.) had agreed on 'strong language' for a statement supporting Ukraine. Article content Article content But the shared statement hit a fatal roadblock when it was presented to the Americans on Saturday, the official said during a background briefing for reporters. Article content Article content The U.S. delegation said it would only sign on if the language was watered down significantly, said the source. They added that the Americans were reluctant to endorse the communiqué's 'strong language' as they try to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiation table. Article content The source was not able to detail what in the draft statement the U.S. wanted watered down. Article content But the changes were too significant for the other six states and the impasse was never resolved, the source said. Article content Instead, much of the text from the failed joint statement is expected to find its way into Canada's closing statement as chair of this G7 summit. Article content Article content The impasse illustrates the growing divide within the G7 on certain issues like the war in Ukraine, with some observers suggesting that the summit is looking more like the G6 plus U.S. President Donald Trump. Article content Article content Trump has been far less critical of Putin and his invasion of Ukraine than his G7 compatriots during his presidency, going so far as calling for the Russian leader to rejoin the summit. Article content Monday, Trump told reporters during a photo op with Prime Minister Mark Carney that excluding Russia from the then-G8 in 2014 was a 'big mistake.' At the time, Russia was excluded after its invasion of Crimea, a prelude to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine years later. Article content The lack of a joint G7 statement supporting Ukraine is all the more notable because Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Canada to attend part of the summit.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
At G7 summit, Donald Trump backs return of Russia, hints at adding China
US President Donald Trump, at the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, called for Russia's return to the group and even floated the idea of including China. Speaking beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump criticised Russia's 2014 expulsion from the then-G8 following its annexation of Crimea, describing it as a 'very big mistake' that made international diplomacy 'more complicated'. 'If Russia were still in, I don't think you'd have a war right now,' Trump declared, adding, 'If Trump were president four years ago, there would be no war.' He suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin was 'very insulted' by the G8 expulsion and has since refused to engage with other G7 leaders, with the exception of Trump himself. Trump incorrectly blames Trudeau for Russia G8 expulsion He went on to blame former US President Barack Obama and 'a person named Trudeau' for orchestrating Russia's removal. However, the decision had been made before Trudeau took office under his predecessor, then Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The remarks came as Trump prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing war sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion. No problem with China joining G7: Trump When asked by reporters whether China should also join, Trump said he had no objections: 'It's not a bad idea… If somebody wants to see just China coming in, I don't mind that.' His comments appeared to challenge the current structure of the G7, which is composed exclusively of liberal democracies: the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, with the European Union also participating. Carney attempted to smooth tensions by praising US leadership, calling the G7 'rudderless' without it. However, Trump dismissed several Canadian proposals, stating, 'They're good, but mine are better'. On trade, Trump reaffirmed his hardline tariff stance, saying, 'I'm a tariff person… It's simple, easy, and precise.' His position contrasted with Carney's push for more collaborative trade measures, particularly as Canada remains burdened by steep US tariffs on its steel, aluminium, and automotive exports. 'Iran is not winning this war' The US president also addressed tensions in West Asia, claiming that Iran 'is not winning this war' and urging the country to resume talks 'before it's too late.' He reaffirmed strong US support for Israel, despite escalating regional conflict. Trump's comments stood in stark contrast to diplomatic efforts by G7 leaders to maintain cohesion amid global instability. The summit is unfolding amid urgent discussions on trade, tensions in West Asia, and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The White House on Monday (local time) confirmed Trump would cut short his visit due to the West Asia crisis. 'President Trump had a great day at the G7… but because of what's going on in the Middle East (West Asia), he will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,' said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. PM Modi arrives at G7 The summit also marked a significant moment for India–Canada ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving in Calgary as part of a three-nation tour that also includes Cyprus and Croatia. This is PM Modi's first visit to Canada in nearly a decade.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Trump touts Putin relationship at G7 meeting
Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here It's Monday. Ten years ago today, Trump 📹famously descended the escalator to announce he was running for president. In today's issue: President Trump is in Alberta, Canada, for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit. He just called the group's 2014 decision to remove Russia from the alliance a 'mistake.' In Trump's words: 'The G7 used to be the G8. Barack Obama and a person named Trudeau didn't want to have Russia in and I would say that was a mistake because I don't think we'd have a war right now if we had Russia in,' Trump said at the start of his one-on-one meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. 'Putin speaks to me, he doesn't speak to anybody else,' Trump said. Carney later interjected to end Trump's Q-and-A. 📸 Photo from the meeting (For context, Russia was booted from the then-G8 over its annexation of Crimea.) What timing: Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 50 minutes Saturday. The two discussed the Israel-Iran conflict and Russia's war with Ukraine. Other meetings on the books: Trump is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum while in Canada. Remember Trump's last G7?: The last time Trump attended a G7 meeting, which was in 2018, he stormed out. He had called for the group's allies to embrace Russia, frustrated the group's leaders and had a looming trade dispute over metal tariffs with Canada. Sound familiar? This is a big moment for Carney: Politico notes that 'Only three months on the job, Canada's prime minister is also attempting a series of tricky diplomatic resets with some of his country's thorniest frenemies.' Read: 'Mark Carney's first big test on the world stage' Factors setting the backdrop to this summit: ➤ Israel's strike on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks are top of mind. ➤ Trump's tariffs have elevated tensions. His 90-day pause on 'reciprocal tariffs' expires July 8 (!) Which countries are in the Group of Seven?: The U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada — Trump also signaled openness this morning to inviting China to the group in the future. 🗨️ Follow today's live blog Read more: Five things to watch at the G7 Summit President Trump has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ramp up their deportation efforts in Democratic-run cities. Where?: Trump singled out Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, 'where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.' 🔎Read Trump's Sunday night Truth Social announcement Mobile phones! President Trump's sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump announced this morning that the Trump Organization is launching a mobile phone business: Trump Mobile. The gist: Trump Jr. said he thinks the mobile phone industry has had 'lackluster performance' and argues this business could help 'underserved' audiences. He also said it would include telemedicine, roadside assistance and 'unlimited texting for 100 countries around the world.' Its flagship offering is called 'The 47 Plan,' referencing the president, and would cost $47.45 per month. Oh, and there's a new phone: The announcement included a new 'TI Phone' in August, describing it as a 'sleek, gold smartphone engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best from their mobile carrier.' There are ethical concerns: The dynamic of the Trump family launching a consumer business while President Trump is in office has raised various ethical concerns from critics. 🔎What we know about 'Trump Mobile' Republicans are walking into a critical week for passing President Trump's legislative agenda. The next step: Senate GOP leaders are hoping to unveil the text of the bill soon. Remember how they want changes from the House-passed version? We are waiting to see how those changes are worked out to get more members on board. The goal has been to pass this bill by July 4, but there is increased skepticism of that timeline. Keep an eye out today: 'The most anticipated item could arrive later Monday when the Senate Finance Committee is aiming to release its portion of the chamber's text, which includes key sticking points such as Medicaid cuts and provisions eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, two of Trump's top campaign promises.' Read The Hill's Al Weaver's reportingon why this week is so important. 'The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to review New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin's (D) subpoena seeking donor records from a network of anti-abortion clinics,' reports The Hill's Zach Schonfeld. Explainer: 'In a brief order, the justices said they will examine whether First Choice Women's Resource Centers can mount a First Amendment challenge in federal court. Lower judges ruled the group's free speech claim was not ripe because it could be brought in state court instead, but First Choice warned that holding would create a 'Catch-22' that prevents a federal judge from ever reviewing the subpoena's constitutionality.' (The Hill) ➤ FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: The Supreme Court's next day to issue opinions is Wednesday. Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, has stepped down from his post at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), becoming the second union leader to resign. Keep in mind: This union represents more than 1.3 million public sector employees and retirees. The other DNC resignation: American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten is also departing the DNC, citing disagreements with DNC Chair Ken Martin. 💡 For context: There has been a lot of intraparty fighting within the Democratic Party. The Hill's Julia Manchester published a helpful read on the fractures stalling the rebuild of the party. Two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses were shot at their homes over the weekend by a gunman. The victims: Former Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, died from their injuries. State Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were injured. How the victims were found: 'After the police responded to the home of Senator Hoffman, finding that he and his wife, Yvette, had both been shot, they decided to check on Representative Hortman at home. There, they encountered the assailant, who they said fled on foot after an exchange of gunfire with officers around 3:30 a.m. Inside, the police found Ms. Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead.' (The New York Times) Read more about Hortman, via The Washington Post: 'Lawmaker Melissa Hortman remembered as 'a fixture and a giant in Minnesota'' The gunman was masked and disguised as a police officer, per ABC News. The suspect: Law enforcement arrested Vance Boelter on Sunday night after a two-day FBI manhunt. He was apprehended without incident, according to officials, and is accused of being involved in both shootings. Related, via The New York Times: 'How the Minnesota Shootings Suspect Was Caught' Thousands of spectators came to Washington to watch the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade on Saturday. The gist: The rain was a nonissue, and President Trump delivered quick remarks. Most of Trump's Cabinet attended, but there were only a few Republican members of Congress. The images of tanks rolling along the D.C. streets are striking. 📸 Parade photos Crowd sizes: According to the White House, there were 250,000 attendees, but outside estimates put the number well below the anticipated 200,000. ➤ WHAT ABOUT THE 'NO KINGS' PROTESTS?: Organizers say that more than 5 million Americans participated in 'No Kings' demonstrations in more than 2,100 cities and towns across the U.S. this weekend to protest Trump's military parade — and his administration's policies. 📸 'No Kings' protest photos The House is out. The Senate returns this afternoon. President Trump is in Canada. (All times EST) 12:45 p.m.: Trump participates in a Group of Seven (G7) session in Kananaskis, Canada. 3:45 p.m.: Trump takes a G7 family photo. 4:15 p.m.: Trump participates in another G7 session. 5:30 p.m.: The Senate votes to end debate on Gary Andres to be an assistant secretary of Health and Human Services. 📆Today's agenda 7 p.m.: Trump attends a 'cultural event' in Kananaskis. Thursday: Juneteenth. 🍫 Celebrate: Today is National Fudge Day! 🔋 Check your portable power banks: Anker recalled more than 1 million portable phone chargers due to potential fire and burn risks. There have been 19 reports of fires and explosions. Because you made it this far, here's a dog that is firm with its priorities. I can't say I agree with them, but I respect them.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Crucial chance' to end Ukraine war, UK minister says as G7 gathers in Munich
The UK is working to seize the 'crucial opportunity' of negotiations to end the Ukraine war, a Cabinet minister has said as global leaders gather on fragile diplomatic terms for a major security summit in Munich. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle also praised Donald Trump for being 'so dedicated' to bringing a close to the fighting after the US president declared that he and Vladimir Putin had agreed to 'work together' on resolving the conflict. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the Russian leader is 'definitely not preparing for negotiations', but to 'continue deceiving the world' as he appealed for unified pressure from allies on Moscow. G7 ministers are gathering for the Munich Security Conference on Friday amid fears in some western capitals of Washington and the Kremlin negotiating European security over the heads of leaders on the continent. Speaking to broadcasters on the morning media round, Mr Kyle declined to say whether the US president's approach to Mr Putin was akin to the appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s. 'We need to act coolly and calmly going forward, and listen to what President Zelensky says he needs, and to be there to support him for it,' he told LBC. 'It is great that we have a US president that is now so dedicated to bringing this war to an end. His defence secretary said that everything is on the table. 'This is a crucial opportunity and we want to make sure that this crucial opportunity is seized with both hands, and Britain is here in the middle of it, making sure that our voice and our desires and needs are here and taken care of and represented in the best way possible, too.' Britain and other European allies have said that Ukraine's voice must be at the heart of any peace talks as the West reels from Mr Trump's telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart on Wednesday. America has already appeared to make some concessions, suggesting that Kyiv must accept it will have to give up some territory to Moscow, and that Nato membership for the country is not a realistic prospect Meanwhile, Nato's official position – endorsed by Sir Keir Starmer's Government in the UK/Ukraine 100-year partnership – is that Ukraine is on an 'irreversible' path to joining the alliance. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet allies at the summit in Germany on Friday, where the future of Ukraine will lead the conference agenda, before a dinner with other delegates from the US, France, Italy and Germany. Mr Trump, who spoke with Mr Putin before a phone call with Mr Zelensky, said on Thursday that Kyiv would have a seat at the table in any discussions. But in comments to journalists in the Oval Office, he insisted that he could 'trust' Russia's leader and said he would like to see the country re-admitted to the G7. The country was kicked out of the then-G8 in 2014 over its invasion of Crimea. Ukrainian leader Mr Zelensky, who is expected to meet US vice-president JD Vance in Munich on Friday, appealed to western allies to stand firm and hold Russia accountable. Writing on social media site X, he said: 'Every night, Russia carries out such attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure and cities. Russia continues to expand its army and shows no change in its deranged, anti-human state rhetoric. 'This means that Putin is definitely not preparing for negotiations — he is preparing to continue deceiving the world. 'That is why there must be unified pressure from all who value life – pressure on the aggressor. Russia must be held accountable for its actions.' Questions remain about what concessions Russia would have to make in any deal, with former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger saying Ukraine had been asked to make 'some very, very hefty concessions… without much being asked for in return'. As well as his meetings with the G7 and dinner with the so-called 'Quint', Mr Lammy is expected to take part in an event on Ukraine and meet representatives from European, Middle Eastern and North American nations. He will be joined by the Defence Secretary, John Healey, who has already attended a Nato meeting and chaired a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group this week. That meeting saw US defence secretary Pete Hegseth announce America was no longer 'primarily focused' on guaranteeing European security, leading to calls from some European capitals for greater spending on defence.
