G7 ministers open Paris talks with Ukraine and Iran unresolved
G7 foreign ministers have begun two days of talks in Paris on Ukraine, Iran and energy security. Marco Rubio arrives after Republican losses in the US midterms, with Washington’s next steps drawing scrutiny. France has ruled out a joint communiqué, while Italy wants a coordinated response to hybrid threats against civilian infrastructure.
Geopolitics··Evening
Two days of talks open in Paris
The foreign ministers of the G7, comprising the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, began their Paris meeting on November 9. The two-day programme covers the wars involving Ukraine and Iran, energy security and artificial intelligence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making his first foreign trip since Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. France has invited Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine to selected discussions. The hosts have already announced that the meeting will end without a joint communiqué.[1], [2]
Ukraine security arrangements remain under discussion
Before leaving for France, Rubio said there had been progress on possible postwar security arrangements for Ukraine and Europe, while stressing that nothing had been finalised. He pointed to a possible further advance in Abu Dhabi, where US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to meet Ukrainian and Russian officials this week. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Europe must participate in the search for a solution. He invoked existing instruments protecting borders and sovereign equality. Italy plans to reaffirm support for Kyiv, with a 13th military-aid package under preparation, and back renewed US diplomatic efforts.[1], [2]
Italy seeks cooperation against hybrid threats
Italy says hybrid threats against civilian infrastructure will occupy a central place at its request. Tajani wants coordination over incidents affecting European aviation, supermarkets and blood-transfusion centres, and has called for cooperation against cyberattacks. His ministry also lists preventing escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, supporting US–Iran negotiations and food security among its priorities. Rubio reiterated that Trump preferred diplomacy with Iran but played down the prospect of an imminent breakthrough. Wadephul urged concrete negotiations instead of further military escalation. Differences persist over the International Criminal Court: Washington has sanctioned it, whereas the other six G7 members belong to the court. France also lists Africa, China, Cuba and Haiti among its priorities.[1], [2]
