G7 foreign ministers gather in Paris on Monday for talks that will give allies their initial look at how President Donald Trump's Republican Party losses in the November midterms might affect American positions on key global issues.
The meeting, relocated from Marseille to Paris at short notice over security concerns tied to protests in France, features U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his first appearance before the group since the elections. Diplomats from Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union will join their French hosts, along with invited ministers from Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, and Brazil.
Four G7 diplomats told reporters that the Democrats' gains, which hand them control of both chambers of Congress starting in January, could limit the White House's flexibility on Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with traditional partners. They cautioned, however, that foreign policy decisions remain firmly in Trump's hands and that a return to previous multilateral approaches is unlikely.
Ukraine tops the agenda ahead of planned trilateral discussions Tuesday in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Allies plan to focus on sustaining pressure on Russia and securing additional military, financial, and energy support for Kyiv, with shortages of air-defense systems identified as an urgent priority.
Iran and differences over Lebanon are also expected to feature. Washington's partners have expressed skepticism about further U.S. military involvement in the region.
The Paris session marks the first opportunity for allies to gauge the midterm results' impact on Trump's administration. Rubio, viewed by some as a potential 2028 contender, will represent the United States throughout the two-day event.
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