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Geopolitics · G7 ParisThe Secretary of State’s first overseas trip since the U.S. midterms focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Iran, and ended with a 12-page joint declaration.
PARIS — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Paris, France, from November 8 to 10, 2026, under the French G7 Presidency. The gathering of top diplomats from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union’s High Representative focused on unresolved global crises, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Iran, amid questions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy after Republican losses in the U.S. midterm elections.
The meeting, originally planned for Marseille, was shifted to Paris for scheduling reasons. It marked Rubio’s first overseas trip since the midterms, which cost Republicans control of Congress. European counterparts used the forum to press the U.S. on ensuring any Ukraine settlement is fair to Kyiv, involving Europeans in talks, and avoiding further escalation with Iran. Parallel U.S.-mediated talks involving Russia and Ukraine were underway or imminent in Abu Dhabi.
- November 8Rubio departs Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida for Paris.
- November 9Discussions on global conflicts, artificial intelligence, energy security and other issues, plus bilateral meetings and a press gaggle.
- November 10Dedicated sessions on support for Ukraine and the Middle East, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participating, and a second press gaggle.
- November 11The 12-page joint declaration is issued.
Rubio departed from Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida on November 8. Before leaving, he highlighted postwar European security architecture as a recurring topic in negotiations and noted some advances, though nothing was finalized. He expressed hope for progress in Abu Dhabi while stressing that the sides were not on the verge of a breakthrough on Iran, where Iranian demands remained “unacceptable,” “outrageous,” “ridiculous” and “not realistic.” Diplomacy was preferred, but results had been limited.
On November 9, discussions covered global conflicts (excluding focused Ukraine and Middle East sessions scheduled for the next day), artificial intelligence (referred to by the U.S. side as “SI,” or superintelligence, in some contexts), energy security and other issues. Rubio also posted about the need for UN agencies to cut wasteful bureaucracy and make humanitarian aid more efficient, temporary, targeted and accountable.
France
Rubio held a bilateral meeting with the French Foreign Minister on November 9.
Germany
A bilateral meeting with the German Foreign Minister on November 9.
Ukraine
Rubio met the Ukrainian Foreign Minister (also spelled Sybiga in some reports) on November 10, during a dedicated session on support for Ukraine.
On November 10, a dedicated session on support for Ukraine included Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha. Family photos included G7 ministers and the Ukrainian foreign minister. Other topics spanned Indo-Pacific security, maritime issues, humanitarian support and AI safety. France had invited additional partners such as Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine for portions of the discussions.
After talks with Rubio, Wadephul stated it was “neither necessary, nor right, nor appropriate” to fundamentally change Europe’s existing security architecture. French officials confirmed European representation at the Abu Dhabi talks.
Rubio held press gaggles on both November 9 and 10 at venues including the InterContinental Paris Le Grand.
Ukraine
Rubio noted that Ukraine discussions were primarily scheduled for the second day, and that U.S. envoys, including Jared Kushner, were in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks. He said the U.S. had never opposed direct European talks with Russia, since the Russians had previously resisted them, and that European national security advisors from countries such as Germany, the UK and France were involved in the broader process.
He credited the Trump administration with being the only one able to bring the parties to the table repeatedly, despite limited productivity so far, and stressed that the chances of success are zero without trying. Postwar security guarantees remained a top ally concern, with some progress on architecture ideas but finalization awaiting conflict resolution. He affirmed that negotiations on Europe’s future security must include Europeans.
U.S. Midterms
Asked about potential shifts after Republican losses, Rubio said foreign policy is primarily set by the president and the executive branch, and that allies understand U.S. politics and divisions.
“The number one factor in determining the foreign policy of the United States has always been and will remain the president of the United States.”
Iran
Rubio reiterated the lack of progress in talks due to unrealistic Iranian demands and supported continued pressure, including economic and political constraints, while preferring diplomacy. The joint statement later condemned Iranian attacks on neighbors, disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and support for non-state groups.
AI / “SI”
Rubio discussed both benefits (productivity gains) and dangers: independent harmful actions by models; use by malign actors for biological or chemical weapons, cyber attacks or terrorism; and economic disruption and job displacement. He highlighted the unprecedented pace of development as a regulatory challenge and the need to maximize benefits while mitigating risks without stifling innovation.
Other Issues
Rubio raised U.S. concerns about the International Criminal Court claiming jurisdiction over non-members and suggested a tougher approach after failed reform efforts, saying the U.S. could “inflict tremendous damage” on the ICC.
He strongly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth against impeachment articles introduced by a Republican, calling them unfair and praising Hegseth’s performance on Iran-related operations, counter-cartel efforts and other priorities.
A 12-page joint declaration was issued on November 11.
On Ukraine
Support, Ceasefire and Financing
- Reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.
- Expressed solidarity amid Russian attacks on civilians, infrastructure and cultural heritage, and condemned strikes on Black Sea shipping affecting food security.
- Supported U.S.-led peace efforts and a full, comprehensive, reciprocal ceasefire, including halts on energy infrastructure and Black Sea attacks.
- Stressed that European security negotiations must include Europeans.
- Committed to continued military aid (air defense, long-range capabilities) and addressed 2027-plus financing needs.
- Condemned military assistance to Russia from North Korea and Iran, plus weapons, training and dual-use components from China.
- Pledged stepped-up winter energy and material support, and cyber resilience efforts.
On the Middle East and Iran
Diplomacy, No Nuclear Weapon
- Supported diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program and insisted Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
- Condemned attacks and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
- Backed defensive efforts to clear mines and escort vessels.
- Called for full implementation of relevant UN sanctions.
Additional sections addressed:
The Takeaway
The Paris meeting was one of the final major events of France’s 2026 G7 presidency, with the U.S. set to assume the presidency in 2027. Rubio’s participation underscored ongoing transatlantic coordination on major crises while highlighting persistent differences on the precise path to ending the Ukraine conflict and managing Iran.
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