OREANDA-NEWS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Heiko Maas, said that he is against Russia’s participation in the meetings of the Group of Seven (G7), since the Ukrainian problem is not resolved.

In an interview with the newspaper Rheinische Post, the politician noted that the annexation of Crimea and the “intervention in eastern Ukraine” became the reasons for the exclusion of Russia from the G8. In his opinion, until these issues are resolved, there is “no chance” for Moscow’s return.

At the same time, Maas admitted that “we need Russia to solve problems such as the conflicts in Syria, Libya and Ukraine.” “This will work not be a work against Russia, but only together with Russia,” the Minister explained. “But Russia must also make its own contribution; everything is happening very slowly in Ukraine,” the diplomat added.

“The G7 and G20 are two reasonably coordinated formats. We do not need G11 or G12,” Maas resumed.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump proposed expanding the G7 format, inviting Russia, India, Australia and South Korea to take part.