Putin says he’s ‘ready’ to return to G-7 after Trump suggestion

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday welcomed President Trump’s suggestion that Russia be readmitted to the Group of Seven (G-7), even as the controversial idea failed to gain traction among other world leaders.

The Associated Press reported that Putin addressed the issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, two days after Trump recommended Russia should again be part what was previously the Group of Eight.

“It wasn’t us who left,” Putin said.

“We will be ready to greet them all in Moscow,” he added, referring to leaders of the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Italy.

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Trump riled U.S. allies on Friday when he suggested Russia be readmitted to the G-7, despite the country’s 2014 expulsion because it annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

Other leaders attending this weekend’s G-7 summit rejected Trump’s idea. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he told Trump the organization is not “remotely” considering adding Russia.

Trump has drawn frequent criticism for his friendly tone toward Russia and Putin. Lawmakers have questioned his hesitance to criticize Russia, particularly for its attempts to influence the 2016 U.S. election. 

His comments ahead of the G-7 summit prompted fresh criticism from some U.S. lawmakers. 

Putin also hit Trump on Sunday for his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal earlier this year.

The AP reported that Putin warned the decision could “destabilize the situation” in the Middle East. He added that Russia will continue to honor the agreement, which offers Iran sanctions relief in exchange for Tehran curbing its nuclear program.

Despite those comments, Putin reportedly said he’s willing to meet with Trump, “as soon as the U.S. side is ready.”