Merkel called the condition for the start of negotiations on Russia's participation in the G8

She clarified that the topic of the return of the G8 format with the participation of Russia was discussed on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

“There were different opinions. On behalf of Germany, I made it clear that we need progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to restart negotiations on Russia's participation in the G7 format, ”Merkel quotes TASS.

According to her, the rest of the summit participants supported this position.

Earlier, US leader Donald Trump, before meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the G7 summit in France, said that some representatives of the G7 countries are interested in the return of Russia.

He also admitted the possibility of inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to the next G7 summit in the United States.