G7 Ministers Press for Role in US-Led Ukraine Talks
G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris as Europe seeks a place in US-mediated talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The gathering coincides with talks between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, while ministers are also expected to discuss Iran.
G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris on Monday and Tuesday as Europe presses for a role in US efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Their gathering coincides with US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
European governments fear a settlement could favor Russia. US President Donald Trump said a deal was in the making and suggested Ukraine could emerge with altered borders.
“They're gonna end up with a little bit different shape Ukraine,” Trump told broadcaster CBS. He also said the deal would involve all of Europe.
The Group of Seven brings together diplomats from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. European leaders have insisted that the continent take part in negotiations and that any settlement protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France would join the Abu Dhabi talks. “Europeans will be represented and France will participate in these talks,” he told RTL radio.
Barrot said he did not know the details of US plans for a possible agreement. He added that no deal affecting European security could be reached without Europeans.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend both days of the Paris meeting. At the previous G7 gathering, he attended for one day.
Rubio said recent discussions had made progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and the wider European region. Trump envoy Jared Kushner has also described US efforts to develop a broader European security framework.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has questioned proposals for a new European security framework. He has said debates over such a framework should follow efforts to end the war.
Ministers are also expected to discuss tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump has not ruled out further military strikes against Iran, while European governments are seeking a diplomatic resolution.
Attention is also on restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for international energy supplies. Trump recently said Iranian officials were keen to reach an agreement.
The Paris meeting is among the final major diplomatic events of France’s G7 presidency. The United States is scheduled to take over the group’s rotating presidency in 2027.
