German minister rules out Russia’s G7 reentry, cites clear condemnation of war

Russia will not be readmitted to the Group of Seven (G7) nations, despite US President Donald Trump's request, German Finance Minister Jörg Kukies said.

"The condemnation of the G7 of Russia's war of aggression is very clear, especially on the third anniversary of Russia's brutal attack," Kukies said in an exclusive interview, emphasizing that Trump's proposal would not achieve the necessary unanimity, Caliber.Az reports.

Kukies is scheduled to travel to Cape Town on February 25 for the G20 meeting of finance ministers, although US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be absent due to a scheduling conflict. A central focus of the meetings will be the current state of the global economy.

"We really need to re-embark on a path of economic growth," Kukies remarked, acknowledging that Germany "has a lot of homework to do."

Kukies, who was appointed finance minister by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in November following the collapse of Scholz's governing coalition, is expected to serve until a new government is formed after the February 23 election, which saw a victory for Friedrich Merz's conservative party.

On the potential for a trade war between the US and the European Union, Kukies stated that such a conflict could be avoided, as both sides are willing to negotiate. "No one has an interest in starting a trade war."

The European Union, comprising 27 member states, could be particularly impacted by Trump's plan to implement reciprocal tariffs, raising US import duties to match those imposed by other countries.

Kukies noted that the EU's trade surplus in goods with the US is nearly balanced by a US surplus in services exported to Europe.

"If you add up both of the imbalances on the trade side, they net out to quite a reasonably small number," he said.

The G7 may also address long-standing proposals to use $300 billion of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe for Ukraine’s reconstruction. "The discussions are just starting. It's probably a bit early to say," Kukies added.

Sources have indicated that Moscow may agree to the use of the frozen assets in a future peace deal, provided a portion of the funds is allocated to areas of Ukraine currently under Russian control.

By Vafa Guliyeva