Merz: Germany opposes Russia’s return to G8

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly rejected the idea of Russia’s return to the G8 – a proposal that resurfaced amid discussions surrounding the U.S.-drafted 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via DW.

The plan, parts of which were seen by Reuters, includes a clause envisioning Russia’s reintegration into global economic structures and even a restored seat in the G8. However, a counter-proposal drafted by Europe’s E3 powers – the United Kingdom, France and Germany – takes a markedly different line. While based on the U.S. framework, the European document omits provisions related to bringing Russia back into the forum, reflecting deep scepticism in European capitals about resuming cooperation at this level while the war continues.

Speaking after the G20 summit in Johannesburg on 23 November, Merz said there was no readiness within the G7 to consider such a move. “At present, I do not see any willingness among the six current G7 members, excluding the United States, to accept Russia back into this group,” he told reporters.

The German leader stressed that returning to the G8 format would require full consensus among all members – a scenario he views as unrealistic under current conditions.

Merz’s remarks echo the position voiced a day earlier by French President Emmanuel Macron, who similarly stated that there are no grounds for Russia’s readmission to the Group of Eight. The coordinated stance of Berlin and Paris underscores Europe’s broader reluctance to restore Moscow to the G8, from which it was suspended in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.

By Vugar Khalilov