Inviting Russia to join the G7 summit next year would be a powerful factor in supporting Russian aggression, believes ex-Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov.
In a Facebook post, Turchynov recalled that Russia was suspended from G8 after the illegal annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in Donbas.
"Despite this step, the imposition of sanctions, and condemnation of Russia's actions by world powers, no positive changes have been seen in Russia's aggressive policy. Militarization of the annexed Crimea is intensifying, blood is pouring in eastern Ukraine, while the occupation of a part of Donbas is ongoing. Besides, there were deaths of the passengers of the downed Boeing, the impunity for the killing of civilians in Syria, the chemical attack in Salisbury, systemic cyber aggression and attempts to interfere in political processes in many countries of the world, as well as the brutal suppression of the democratic opposition within Russia itself," Turchynov wrote.
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At the same time, the ex-secretary of the National Security and Defense Council emphasizes that instead of intensifying economic and political pressure, the West has returned Russia to PACE, while leaders of the leading world powers, strategic partners of Ukraine, are discussing the return of the revived "evil empire" to G7 summits.
"Such irresponsible steps will ultimately bury the collective security system, legalize non-recognition and revision of the borders of European countries, soaked with the blood of World War 2, and become an impetus for even larger scale crimes and aggressive actions on the part of the Russian Federation," wrote Turchynov.
He has urged world leaders not to become "accomplices in the bloody crimes of Putin's regime." According to the ex-NSDC secretary, "this would erase the hopes of millions and result in more human victims."
Earlier, a CNN source said U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron allegedly believe Russia should be invited to a G7 summit next year. The source said the idea was voiced by Macron and supported by Trump.
At the same time, a diplomatic source in France told Reuters that Russia's access to the Group of Seven depended on progress in Ukraine peace talks.
