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Europe to press US on Ukraine peace and Iran at Paris G7 ministers talks
G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris for two days, with European countries expected to urge the US to support a fair settlement for Ukraine and avoid further military action against Iran. The discussions come as US-mediated talks on ending the Ukraine war are due to take place in Abu Dhabi, while Washington has not ruled out new strikes on Iran.
The meeting brings together ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending both days; France says it will also take part in the Abu Dhabi talks. Separately, a donor conference aims to raise about €500 million to repair Chernobyl’s damaged protective dome, with just over half that sum raised so far and the remainder sought by spring 2027.
In short
- G7 ministers meet as Ukraine peace talks approach.
- Europe wants a fair settlement for Kyiv.
- Donors still need to raise much of Chernobyl’s €500 million repair bill.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
European governments can argue that a durable Ukraine settlement must protect the country’s sovereignty and security, and that US support is essential to make any agreement credible. They can also urge restraint towards Iran, saying further strikes risk widening conflict and that diplomacy offers a better chance of addressing security concerns without greater regional harm.
The case against
The US can argue that it needs room to negotiate with Russia and to consider all available tools, including military action, to deter threats and protect its interests and allies. From this perspective, insisting on conditions for a Ukraine settlement or ruling out strikes on Iran in advance could weaken negotiating leverage and make an effective agreement or deterrence harder to achieve.
Explained simply
The G7 is a forum where the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States discuss international issues. Their talks take place as the war in Ukraine continues and efforts are under way to negotiate an end to it.
The United States is mediating talks involving Ukraine and Russia, while European governments are seeking a settlement they regard as fair. Iran is also on the agenda amid uncertainty over whether the US might take further military action, an issue with potential consequences for security across the region.
A separate fundraising effort concerns the protective dome over the remains of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, damaged during the war. The structure helps contain radioactive material, so repairs are important for long-term safety.
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