**Canada Opposes Russia’s Return to G7**
Canada does not want Russia to return to the Group of Seven (G7) format, according to Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc. She made this statement on February 21 at an event in Kyiv.
Cmoc said that Canada is “not ready for a change in the membership of the G7″ and will “stand its ground”. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Russia should be allowed back into the group, calling its expulsion in 2014 a “mistake”.
**Strengthening Support for Ukraine**
Cmoc emphasized the need to strengthen support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia through diplomatic, financial, and economic means. She suggested lowering the oil price ceiling, expanding sanctions, and closing loopholes that allow them to be circumvented.
Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea. Since then, the G7 countries have provided Ukraine with significant military and financial aid.
**US Officials Oppose Blaming Russia**
The Financial Times reported that US officials are opposing the use of the phrase “Russian aggression” in a planned G7 statement commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war. This has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and European allies about Washington’s shifting position on the war.
**Trump’s Statements Cause Concern**
US President Donald Trump has made several false claims about Ukraine, including calling President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” and accusing him of refusing to hold elections. However, Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which was introduced in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
**EU Ambassador Supports Ukraine**
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova emphasized that Europe does not insist that Ukraine hold elections under martial law, citing the country‘s constitution as the governing authority.