G7 ministers to weigh Trump's midterm setback impact in Paris talks

G7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris on Monday will assess how Donald Trump's US midterm setback affects his administration's policies on Ukraine, the Middle East, and alliances, according to four G7 diplomats. The Democrats' gains may narrow the White House's options, though no return to traditional US multilateralism is expected. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a potential 2028 presidential contender, will make his first appearance before allies since the elections. Ukraine tops the agenda, ahead of trilateral talks on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, with additional ministers from Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, and Brazil attending. Diplomats warned Russia is targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure to cause winter blackouts, with Patriot interceptor shortages a key vulnerability. Iran and Lebanon are also expected to feature, with France pushing for a new UN-backed security framework in southern Lebanon, though US reluctance is acknowledged.