French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed disagreement with the idea of restoring the "Group of Eight" format with Russia's participation. The politician made this statement in an interview with the French channel LTI on February 16.
Barrot stated that such a return is currently "inconceivable," arguing that the "big seven" unites the "largest and most developed democracies," while Russia behaves "less and less like a democracy." However, he did not rule out the possibility of returning to the G8 format with Moscow's participation if a "just and lasting peace" is achieved in Ukraine.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock opposed Trump's proposal, noting that "if we all return to the path of peace and this policy of aggression changes, then, of course, we can resume cooperation in the most diverse areas."