**Trump Wants Russia Back in G7**
US President Donald Trump said he would like to see Russia join the Group of Seven (G7) again. He called Russia’s expulsion from the group in 2014 a “mistake”. This was before the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Russia was kicked out of the G8 in 2014 after it invaded parts of eastern Ukraine and took control of Crimea. Since then, the G7 has been supporting Ukraine with military and financial aid. In October 2024, they agreed to give Ukraine $50 billion in loans using money from Russian assets abroad.
**Trump Talks to Putin**
Yesterday, Trump spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They talked for 90 minutes and agreed that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine would start right away. Putin invited Trump to visit Moscow. After this call, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
When asked if Ukraine would have a seat at the negotiating table, Trump said “yes, of course”. However, there are concerns that Ukraine might not be involved enough in these talks.
**Ukraine’s Business and Economy**
The European Business Association (EBA) wants the Ukrainian government to release information about mineral deposits. This is so businesses can plan better. Ukraine’s agricultural trade with Europe has reached $17 billion this year, a new record.
**International Reactions**
The United States Defense Secretary said that it was realistic to think that Ukraine and Russia might not get back to their borders from 2014. This doesn’t mean giving in to Vladimir Putin.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Ukraine would be part of the negotiations, but there will also be talks between just Russia and the US.
**Ukraine’s Position**
President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t seem happy about Trump talking to Russia first. The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, said that they couldn’t defend themselves against Russian drones and bombs.
Trump wrote on his social media platform that he had good talks with Russia and Ukraine yesterday and there was a possibility of ending the war.