G7 Allies Assess US Policy After Midterm Results

G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris on November 9 and 10 as allies assess whether the US midterm results will affect Washington’s policies on Ukraine, Iran and relations with its partners. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to attend both days, in his first appearance before allies since the elections.

Four G7 diplomats said the Democratic gains in Congress could narrow President Donald Trump’s room for manoeuvre, but cautioned against expecting a return to traditional US multilateralism while foreign policy remains under his control. The gathering gives allies an opportunity to assess the administration’s approach; it has not established whether US policy will change.

Ukraine is expected to top the agenda ahead of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, scheduled under US mediation in Abu Dhabi for November 10 and 11. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France would participate and that Europeans would be represented. Officials from France, Britain, Germany, NATO and the European Commission are also seeking to be in Abu Dhabi, though they are not expected to join the trilateral format.

The diplomats described Ukraine’s front line as...