by Admin
Feb 25, 2025
Germany has firmly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to readmit Russia into the Group of Seven (G7) nations, citing a lack of unanimity among member states.
German Finance Minister Joerg Kukies emphasized the G7’s unified condemnation of Russia’s ongoing aggression, particularly as the world marks the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“The G7’s position on Russia’s war of aggression is very clear,” Kukies stated, dismissing any possibility of consensus on President Trump’s suggestion.
The German finance minister is scheduled to attend the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Cape Town on Tuesday, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent due to a scheduling conflict.
“We need to re-embark on a path of economic growth. Germany has a lot of homework to do,” Kukies noted, underscoring economic priorities.
Kukies, who was appointed finance minister in November by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the collapse of Scholz’s governing coalition, will remain in office until a new government is formed following Sunday’s election. The election was won by Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc.
Kukies also warned that the European Union could face significant economic repercussions from Trump’s proposed reciprocal tariff plan, which seeks to raise U.S. import tariffs to match those imposed by other countries.
While the EU currently runs a goods trade surplus with the U.S., Kukies pointed out that this is nearly balanced by a U.S. surplus in services exported to Europe.
Kukies reiterated that G7 leaders could revisit discussions on using $300 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets held in Europe to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. However, he cautioned that these talks remain in the early stages.
Germany’s firm stance against Russia’s return to the G7 reflects continued geopolitical tensions and reinforces the bloc’s commitment to holding Moscow accountable for its actions in Ukraine.