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G7 foreign ministers will meet in Paris on Monday, November 9, AnewZ reported. They will assess whether Democrats’ gains in the US midterm elections have affected President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his approach to Ukraine and the Middle East.
The meeting will give Washington’s closest allies their first opportunity to assess whether the election results have changed the US administration’s approach to international relations. Diplomats have cautioned, however, against expecting the United States to return to traditional multilateral diplomacy.
Several G7 diplomats said Democrats’ gains could limit the White House’s room for political manoeuvre. At the same time, they stressed that Trump retains control over foreign policy.
After weeks of protests in France, the meeting was moved from Marseille to Paris at short notice for security reasons. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend, marking his first appearance before Washington’s allies since the elections. Rubio is also considered a possible Republican candidate in the 2028 presidential election.
Ukraine expected to top the agenda
The war in Ukraine is expected to be the main focus of the G7 meeting, ahead of anticipated trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi on November 10.
Representatives from France, Britain, Germany, NATO and the European Commission are also expected to be in the United Arab Emirates’ capital. They will not take part in the trilateral talks.
Diplomats have warned that Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The strategy could leave millions of people without electricity during the winter months.
Although the front lines have largely stabilised, officials see little chance of a major military advance in the near future. A shortage of interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot air defence systems and other air-defence equipment is also a serious concern.
G7 ministers are expected to discuss additional military, financial and energy assistance for Kyiv, as well as measures to maintain pressure on Moscow.
European unity may also feature in the talks. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently said Europe risked losing influence in efforts to end the war if countries continued to pursue diplomatic initiatives separately.
Iran and Lebanon could cause tensions
The Middle East, particularly Iran, will be another major topic at the meeting. Several US allies have expressed doubts about the war and said they fear new US military action could deepen instability in the region.
Differences between Washington and Paris over Lebanon may also be discussed. France is proposing a new UN-backed security framework in southern Lebanon to replace existing arrangements. Proposals include the possibility of a joint international force formed by France and Italy.
Washington is reluctant to support some of France’s proposals. As the current arrangements are due to expire at the end of the year, the G7 meeting could offer an opportunity to narrow differences among allies.
The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, as well as the European Union. Ministers from Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea and Brazil are also attending the meeting in Paris.
Beyond the conflicts, the meeting will also test how much influence Washington’s allies can exert over US policy after the midterm elections. Diplomats do not expect major changes to Trump’s foreign policy despite Democrats’ gains. European leaders will need to preserve cooperation with Washington while preparing for possible differences over security and diplomacy.
