Britain signals shift in Ukraine strategy, suggests Russia could rejoin G7

The British government has not ruled out the possibility of Russia rejoining the G7, with Security Minister Dan Jarvis praising US President Donald Trump’s efforts to engage in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

In an interview with Times Radio, Jarvis voiced concerns about Ukraine's ability to win the war, suggesting a shift in tone as Britain and its allies seek to influence US policy regarding the conflict.

In an effort to prevent the US from withdrawing its support for Ukraine, Jarvis echoed Trump’s belief that Russia’s global isolation could end through peace talks. While Britain is preparing to announce a fresh set of sanctions targeting Russia, Jarvis also hinted at the possibility of Russia rejoining the G7, following Trump’s recent claim that the removal of Russia from the G8 after its 2014 annexation of Crimea was a “mistake.”

When asked if Russia should be allowed back into the G7, Jarvis told Times Radio, “That will be a matter to be discussed with international allies. And that is a matter that no doubt will be considered at the point at which the conflict in Ukraine has been concluded.” He added that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would be addressing these matters during his upcoming meeting with Trump, as part of a strategic push to encourage Russia to end the war.

Asked whether Starmer would discuss the prospect of Russia's G7 re-admission, Jarvis responded, “There’ll be a range of conversations taking place with international allies. And the prime minister will be discussing, I’m sure, a range of matters relating to Russia and Ukraine.” Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to present a united front on Ukraine when they meet with Trump separately this week, emphasizing the critical moment in global security.

Starmer is set to meet Trump in Washington on February 27, following Macron's talks with the former US president on February 24. Diplomatic sources suggest that both leaders will seek to persuade Trump against pursuing unilateral peace talks with Moscow, in exchange for stronger European security commitments to Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova