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Kaptur statement on readmitting Russia to the Group of Seven

June 8, 2018

Toledo, OH — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statement after news that President Trump said that Russia should be readmitted to the Group of Seven club of industrial economies. Russia had been ejected from the Group of Seven four years ago over the annexation of Crimea.

"It is outrageous that the President would call for the reinstatement of Russia to the Group of Seven nations. Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine were the reason the Group ejected Russia in the first place. Russia continues to illegally occupy regions of Ukraine and has since expanded efforts to disrupt democracies in Europe, proving Vladimir Putin's Russia is no friend of the community of democracies.

Instead of further isolation and division, this is a time when we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies in the face of Russia's dangerous and malign actions in Ukraine and beyond. I strongly urge the Administration to put an end to this reckless and inexplicable talk that could only send a signal of validation to Putin's oppressive and barbaric ways."

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