U.S. Pushes to Drop ‘Russian Aggression’ Term From G7 Ukraine Statement

The US is opposing the use of the term “Russian aggression” in a G7 statement marking the third anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to five Western officials cited by the Financial Times on February 20.

This opposition threatens to disrupt G7 unity and complicates the potential participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a virtual summit.

The disagreement follows US President Donald Trump’s comments blaming Ukraine for the war, calling Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” and suggesting Russia should rejoin the G7.

US officials have objected to the “Russian aggression” label, which has appeared in G7 statements since 2022.

One G7 official emphasized the need to distinguish between Russia and Ukraine, stating, “We are adamant that there must be a distinction made between Russia and Ukraine. They are not the same,” Despite the opposition, a resolution is still hoped for.

Last year’s G7 statement condemned Russia’s actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal from Ukraine.

The Trump administration’s stance reflects a shift in US policy, now describing the war as the “Ukraine conflict.”

Recent statements from the US Department of State have echoed this language, marking a departure from the Biden administration’s frequent use of “Russian aggression.”

Earlier, a recent poll shows Zelenskyy’s approval rating at 57%, up from 52% in December, countering Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy has a 4% approval rating.