Russia has no chances to return to G7 as long as issues of Crimea, Donbas exist – Maas

27.07.2020 09:15

Ukrinform

Germany opposes Russia’s return to the G7 until the end of annexation of Crimea and aggression in Donbas, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said.

In an interview with Rheinische Post, he said: "Russia itself can make the greatest contribution to making these doors open."

Maas recalled that the reason for Russia's exclusion from the G8 was its illegal annexation of Crimea and aggression in eastern Ukraine.

“Until we have a solution, I do not see any chances [for the return of the Russian Federation to the G7],” the minister stressed.

Answering a journalist's question about whether Europe has written off Crimea’s issue, the German foreign minister said: “We cannot just shrug our shoulders and take into account that in the 21st century the borders in Europe are redrawn in such a way.”

“We are not sending signals to Moscow: after the situation in eastern Ukraine is settled, the Crimea issue will also be resolved,” Maas added.

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