G7 allies to assess impact of Trump’s midterm setback at Paris talks

G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris to assess whether the Democrats’ gains in the US midterm elections could affect President Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine, the Middle East and relations with allies. Diplomats cautioned that the result may limit the White House’s room for manoeuvre, but does not necessarily signal a return to traditional US multilateralism.

Ukraine is central to the talks, which precede US-Ukraine-Russia discussions in Abu Dhabi. Diplomats say Russia is targeting energy infrastructure ahead of winter, while shortages of Patriot interceptors and other air defences leave Kyiv vulnerable; the G7 aims to sustain pressure on Moscow and mobilise support. Ministers are also expected to discuss Iran and France’s proposal for a UN-backed security framework in southern Lebanon, where existing arrangements expire at year’s end.