PARIS, Nov 10: Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia has taken centre stage at the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, as diplomatic efforts to find a possible resolution gather momentum with the beginning of US-mediated trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts from the world’s leading industrialised democracies are focusing on ways to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and security as the country continues to resist Russian military operations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to hold discussions with Rubio in Paris before participating in a wider meeting with representatives of all G7 member countries.
The discussions come at a critical moment for Kyiv, as US President Donald Trump’s administration has scaled back military assistance to Ukraine, raising concerns among Ukrainian officials and European governments about the country’s long-term defence requirements.
France, Germany, Italy and Britain, which are among the G7 members, have repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine amid continued Russian military pressure.
The Paris meeting is expected to cover defence cooperation, security assistance and the broader diplomatic approach towards ending the conflict. However, it remained unclear whether Washington or its G7 partners would announce any additional military or financial assistance for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, separate diplomatic negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States have begun in Abu Dhabi, where Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to engage with representatives from both countries.
Washington is seeking to persuade Moscow to participate in wider negotiations that could eventually involve key European governments in discussions over a possible settlement and the future security arrangements between Russia and Europe.
The diplomatic initiative has renewed debate over Europe’s role in determining the future of the conflict, particularly as several European governments believe that any agreement directly affecting their security must involve them in the decision-making process.
European leaders have been pressing for representation at the Abu Dhabi negotiations. However, two US officials said on Monday that representatives from Britain, Germany, France, NATO and the European Union would not participate in the main trilateral discussions.
Instead, European representatives are expected to hold separate consultations concerning possible security guarantees for Ukraine and the long-term security framework between Russia and European countries.
Moscow has consistently opposed direct European participation in the negotiations, maintaining that discussions should remain limited to Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
The three countries last held trilateral discussions in February.
Germany has emerged as one of the strongest voices demanding European involvement in the diplomatic process.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who held separate discussions with Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 gathering, stressed that Europe must have a place in any negotiations concerning the future of Ukraine.
He acknowledged Washington’s efforts to bring the conflicting sides to the negotiating table but argued that a lasting settlement could not be achieved without European participation.
Wadephul said Europe belonged at the negotiating table and maintained that any agreement would require its involvement.
Rubio, meanwhile, indicated that Washington was not opposed to European participation in future direct negotiations but suggested that the process had not yet reached that stage.
Speaking to reporters after a series of bilateral and group meetings with G7 representatives, he described the resumption of trilateral discussions as a positive development.
He said European involvement could eventually prove beneficial, although considerable diplomatic work remained before broader negotiations could take place.
Rubio also welcomed the fact that Russia, Ukraine and the United States were engaging in discussions again, arguing that negotiations were preferable to the absence of diplomatic communication.
The diplomatic developments are unfolding against the backdrop of continued military operations, with neither Moscow nor Kyiv showing clear signs of abandoning their principal demands.
On Monday, Russian forces launched fresh attacks against Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, further increasing pressure on the country’s energy network.
Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, struck another major Russian oil refinery, highlighting the continuing exchange of attacks on strategically important infrastructure.
The latest developments underline the difficulties facing international efforts to secure a ceasefire or negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement.
Russia and Ukraine remain divided over territorial issues, security arrangements and the conditions required to end the conflict.
The war, which has continued for nearly five years, has caused enormous human suffering, with hundreds of thousands of military personnel and thousands of civilians reported killed, according to analysts and humanitarian organisations.
The destruction of infrastructure, displacement of civilians and disruption of economic activity have also created long-term challenges for both countries and the wider region.
For European governments, the conflict remains a major security concern, particularly because of its implications for NATO’s eastern members and the stability of the continent.
The possibility of a settlement has therefore become an important issue not only for Ukraine and Russia but also for countries that have provided military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv.
The G7 discussions in Paris provide an opportunity for Western governments to coordinate their positions at a time when Washington is attempting to restart direct diplomatic engagement between the warring countries.
However, differences over military assistance and Europe’s role in negotiations could complicate efforts to establish a common approach.
Ukraine’s leadership is expected to seek continued international backing while ensuring that any future agreement protects its sovereignty and long-term security interests.
European governments, meanwhile, want guarantees that a potential settlement will not create further instability or undermine the continent’s broader security arrangements.
The Abu Dhabi discussions could provide an initial indication of whether Moscow and Kyiv are prepared to explore a negotiated path forward.
Nevertheless, substantial differences remain, and the resumption of talks does not necessarily indicate that an agreement is imminent.
As diplomatic engagement continues on two fronts, the G7 meeting in Paris is expected to remain focused on maintaining coordination among Western allies and determining how Ukraine can be supported during the next phase of the conflict.