The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven industrialized nations (G7) will meet in Paris on Monday and Tuesday to discuss how Europe can participate in U.S. efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine and also to pressure Washington not to resume military actions against Iran.
Negotiations in Paris and Abu Dhabi
This meeting will bring together prominent diplomats from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. This gathering will take place simultaneously with U.S.-mediated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in Abu Dhabi.
Read more: The sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Senegal leaves 34 dead
European governments are concerned that the United States may push Ukraine towards an agreement that favors Russia. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced ahead of the Abu Dhabi talks that a "very big" deal is taking shape and indicated that Ukraine might emerge from this agreement with altered borders.
Presence of Foreign Ministers and Concerns about European Security
Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, told RTL radio that "Europeans will be represented in these negotiations, and France will participate in these discussions." European leaders have consistently emphasized that any agreement to end the war must include the participation of the European continent and that no agreement should come at the expense of Ukraine's sovereignty.
Barrot stated that he does not know the details of U.S. plans for a potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine but stressed that no agreement related to European security can be made without Europeans.
Particular attention will be given to Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, who will attend this meeting for two days, unlike the previous G7 meeting where he came for just one day. Rubio noted that discussions regarding security guarantees for Ukraine and the broader European region have progressed.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has previously expressed skepticism about proposals for a new European security framework and suggested that any discussions should take place after efforts to end the war.
The G7 foreign ministers are also expected to discuss U.S. tensions with Iran, as Trump has not ruled out additional military strikes against the country. Washington has previously considered targeting suspected nuclear facilities, including a site known as Mount Pikaaks. Tehran does not consider this site to be a nuclear facility.
European governments are seeking a diplomatic solution rather than a resumption of military actions. Global attention has turned to restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international energy supply.
Trump recently stated that Iranian officials are willing to reach an agreement and suggested that negotiations may still be possible.
Read more: Gadi Eisenkot appointed to form a government in Israel · Zaporizhia nuclear power plant resorts to emergency generators
