UPDATE 2: Russia focuses on formats other than G8 – Putin’s spox

(Adds Trump’s statement in paragraphs 4–5)

WASHINGTON, Jun 8 (PRIME) -- Moscow has switched its focus from the Group of Eight leading industrial nations (G8) format to other formats, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

Earlier no Friday, Bloomberg reported that U.S. President Donald Trump thought that Russia should return to the G8, while Reuters reported Trump’s statement that Russia should participate in the current summit of the G7.

When asked for comment on the statement, Peskov said, “We focus on other formats.”

Trump told reporters, “I would recommend it, and it’s up to them, but Russia should be at the meeting.” The G7 countries “have a world to run,” so Russia should be at the negotiating table.

“Russia should be at this meeting. Why are we having a meeting without Russia being at the meeting?” he said.

End