U.S. President Joe Biden has abandoned a plan proposed by his predecessor Donald Trump to invite Russia to join the Group of Seven (G7).
According to the French Press Agency, the White House announced that President Biden has decided against extending new invitations to Russia. Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, “I don’t think we will be issuing new invitations to Russia or repeating invitations to Russia.” Psaki confirmed that any invitation would be made in partnership with G7 partners.
The UK intends to host the next summit of the G7 industrialized nations from June 11 to 13, 2021, in the southwest of the country. This will be the first summit of the group since the pandemic began and after Biden took office. The British Prime Minister's Office stated that the leaders of the major powers will meet in the seaside town of Carbis Bay in Cornwall.
In his first keynote speech to world leaders as President, Biden criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Munich Security Conference, alleging that he seeks to undermine the European project and NATO. Biden noted the various risks posed by Moscow and emphasized the necessity to confront them. He affirmed the importance of addressing Russian cyberattacks as “crucial for protecting our collective security.”
