On Monday, July 27, during a conversation with journalists, press-secretary of the president of Russia Dmitry Peskov commented on the statement of the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany Heiko Maas who said that further expansion of the G-7 format and inclusion of Russia in the group is unlikely possible until the de-occupation of Crimea. He argues that raising such a question is hardly relevant, since Russia does not seek to join the “Big seven”.
"Peskov noted that President Putin had not made any initiatives, appeals or any actions for Russia to join the work of the G7.
“You know that there was such a format as the G8, which was supposed to hold its summit in Sochi, but the participants refused to come to Sochi. Since then, President Putin has not made any initiatives. Russia is not seeking to join the G7, he said, Interfax reports.