G7 foreign ministers gather in Paris as Abu Dhabi Ukraine talks open

Foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States convened in Paris on Monday for two days of talks on how Europe can shape the US-led effort to end Russia's war on Ukraine — while also pressing Washington to avoid renewed military action against Iran.

The Paris meeting runs in parallel with US-mediated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

European governments have expressed concern that Washington may be steering Ukraine toward a settlement favouring Russia. US President Donald Trump, ahead of the Abu Dhabi round, told broadcaster CBS that "I think we're gonna have it done" and that Ukraine would "end up with a little bit different shape," suggesting territorial changes in any final deal. Trump also said the deal would involve all of Europe.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told RTL radio that "Europeans will be represented and France will participate in these talks." He stressed that no deal touching the European security architecture could be concluded without European involvement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend both days of the G7 meeting — unlike the previous gathering, where he appeared for only one day. Rubio has indicated that recent discussions have made progress on security guarantees for Ukraine and the broader European region. Trump's envoy Jared Kushner has also described US efforts to develop a wider European security framework.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said that debates over a new European security framework should follow, rather than precede, efforts to end the war.

The G7 ministers are also expected to address US tensions with Iran, including the question of restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international energy supplies. Trump has not ruled out further military strikes and has previously cited suspected nuclear sites, including one referred to as Pickaxe Mountain — a designation Tehran denies. European governments are seeking a diplomatic resolution. The Paris gathering is among the final major events of France's G7 presidency before the United States assumes the rotating chair in 2026.