G7 Ministers Meet in Paris as Europe Seeks Say in Ukraine Peace Talks

The update

Foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States meet in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, coinciding with US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told RTL radio that Europeans will be represented in Abu Dhabi and France will participate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend both days in Paris.

Today's top briefs

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Why it matters

European governments fear Washington could push Ukraine toward a settlement favouring Russia. President Donald Trump said a very big deal was in the making and suggested Ukraine could emerge with altered borders, while Rubio pointed to progress on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe. Ministers will also press Washington not to resume military action against Iran, as tensions over a suspected nuclear site and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue.

What to watch

Whether the Abu Dhabi talks produce progress on security guarantees, and whether Europe gains a formal place in the negotiations. Also watch the Paris donor conference on repairing the damaged protective dome at the Chornobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine, which needs about 500 million euros, and any United States signal on further strikes against Iran.

Sources

• dw.com — confirms the Paris meeting, the Abu Dhabi timing and comments by Trump
• france24.com — confirms Europe pressing the United States on Ukraine and Iran, remarks by Barrot and Rubio attending both days

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