Ottawa - February 16, 2025

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly firmly stated that Canada completely opposes the return of Russia to the Group of Seven (G7), emphasizing that "this will never happen," as Moscow continues to violate international law and threaten global stability.

Joly's statements came during a press conference, where she explained that Canada's position aligns with its international allies who reject Russia's reintegration into the group due to its aggressive policies, particularly since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Canada takes a firm stance against Russia

1. Strong rejection of Russia's return to G7

• Joly emphasized that Russia's return to the G7 is not on the table in any way, confirming that the time is not right to discuss Moscow's return to international forums, given its continued aggressive policies and threat to European and global security.

• The minister added that the member countries of the group, which include Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, agree that any dialogue about Russia's return should be conditional on radical changes in its foreign policies and adherence to international law.

2. Continuation of sanctions and pressure on Moscow

• Joly confirmed that Canada is fully committed to the sanctions imposed on Russia, which include economic restrictions, a ban on trade in key sectors, and the freezing of assets belonging to Russian political and economic figures.

• She stressed that any easing of sanctions will not be possible unless Russia halts its military escalation and reconsiders its foreign policy.

• She clarified that Canada is working in coordination with its allies in the European Union and NATO to continue applying pressure on Moscow through diplomatic, military, and economic support for Ukraine.

3. Canada’s role in supporting European allies

• The minister confirmed that Canada plays a key role in coordinating international efforts against Russia, noting that her country provides strategic lessons to European countries on how to deal with leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, based on its experience dealing with former U.S. presidents like Donald Trump.

• She emphasized that European countries must remain united in the face of Russian threats, asserting that Canada will continue to stand by its partners in defending democracy and human rights.

Why was Russia excluded from the G7?

• Russia was previously part of the Group of Eight (G8), but its membership was suspended in 2014 after its illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, an act condemned strongly by the international community.

• Since then, tensions have escalated between Moscow and Western countries, as Russia has continued to pursue aggressive policies, including military intervention in Ukraine, interference in elections, and threatening the security of the Baltic states.

• Canada and its G7 partners have repeatedly affirmed that Russia's return to the group will only be possible if it demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace and respects the sovereignty of other nations.

Conclusion

As geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West continue, Canada once again affirms that Moscow's return to the G7 is currently out of the question, and that sanctions and economic pressures will remain in place as long as Russia continues its aggressive policies.

In light of these firm stances, the question remains: will Russia continue to challenge the international community, or will it seek a way to rebuild its relations with the West?