The influence of Putin looms large over the G7 summit.
The G7 leaders are coming together to create an extensive aid package for Ukraine at their meeting. Despite Putin's absence, his presence is felt in Bari. The Kremlin leader might see a potential return with the support of Donald Trump.
The journey from the G7 summit to peace and harmony among nations is not far. It would suffice if the G7 leaders left their luxurious hotel on the Adriatic coast and headed to Bari, where there's a Russian gift from 2003: a statue of Saint Nicholas, alongside a bronze plaque donated by Putin with a declaration of peace and cooperation.
In contrast to the past, we now understand Putin's words. There were attempts to remove his name from the plaque, but they were unfruitful. Similarly, the G7 is not an active participant in the current situation. Putin's influence is still felt, much like a lingering shadow during the sunny day above.
Bari's location showcases an influence from Russia. The Borgo Egnazia is a luxury hotel with 28 villas (currently, a double room costs €2,400), once visited by international celebrities like Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and the Beckhams. However, after Ukraine's invasion, the Russian visitors disappeared.
Instead, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was there, a frequent guest at Western gatherings. A trip to Apulia, between visits to Saudi Arabia and a peace conference in Switzerland on Saturday, was crucial for the Ukrainian president. The Seven were planning a monetary package for his nation, utilizing the frozen assets of the Russian state. The United States alone promised to provide a $50 billion credit, equivalent to approximately €46 billion, ensuring the country's financial stability for a few years. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the leaders.
Scholz: $50 billion for Ukraine
German Chancellor Scholz described the plan thusly: "Putin has a clear plan: He wants his war to persist as long as everyone else gives up on aiding Ukraine. And this plan has failed today." The $50 billion will cover all the necessary military and reconstruction requirements. Still undecided is Germany's contribution.
Putin likely won't attend another G7 summit. Instead, a potential guest next year could be Donald Trump. While numerous scandals have tarnished his image, Trump's prominence in national polls slightly surpasses Biden's. With a possible return in the upcoming election, the next G7 summit could be decidedly uncomfortable.
Trump withdrew from numerous international alliances, preferred the company of autocrats, and even suggested abandoning NATO. He did not hesitate to declare his intentions: a reduction or cessation of support for Kiev, allowing Putin to continue pursuing his imperialist aspirations in the region unhindered.
To counteract this, the G7 is exploring ways to safeguard potential support for Ukraine. A new bilateral security agreement with the US is expected to ensure long-term commitments. Ukraine has already established these agreements with over a dozen countries, including Germany. In the name of the EU, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also affirmed Ukraine's ongoing support.
During the time the G7 leaders prepare for a potential Trump comeback, Putin maintains his long-term strategy. Hoping that the Ukrainian allies grow weary, the Kremlin leader anticipates the dynamics evolving in his favor if Trump reclaims power. He keenly observes the wavering strength of most G7 leaders, including Scholz and French President Macron.
The G7 plans to break free from its insignificant role as the West's fortress. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified, "The G7 is not a fortress that may have to defend itself from an intruder."
For the first time in nearly half a century, a Pope will join the G7 on Friday: Francis will arrive by helicopter from Rome to address artificial intelligence. Perhaps Pope Francis' presence as a leader of 1.4 billion Catholics cannot be disregarded in matters of high politics and war and peace. Maybe the Pope will even offer his blessing to the G7.
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Despite Donald Trump's absence from the G7 summit, his potential support for Vladimir Putin's return is a topic of discussion among the leaders. Italy, as the host of the G7 meeting, might face complexities if Trump becomes a potential guest next year, given his past actions against international alliances. Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister, has expressed that the G7 is not exclusively a defense fortress but rather a platform for global cooperation.
