G7 Foreign Ministers Discuss Ukraine and Venezuela via Teleconference

Web Editor

January 6, 2026

a flag with birds flying around it in the sky above it and a flag pole in the foreground, Andrey Yef

Overview of the Meeting and Key Participants

The foreign ministers of the G7, representing seven leading global economies, held a teleconference on Tuesday to discuss pressing international issues, including the situations in Ukraine and Venezuela. The conversation was led by Jean-Noël Barrot, the head of French diplomacy, and included representatives from Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Notably, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, also participated in the discussion.

Focus on Ukraine and Security Guarantees

The primary topic of the teleconference was the recent signing of the Paris Declaration, which outlines security guarantees for Ukraine should it reach a peace agreement with Russia. The declaration was signed by the Coalition of Volunteers for Ukraine and emphasizes international force deployment and a binding commitment to defend allies.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed that discussions would continue on Wednesday, with the participation of his chief of staff, Kirill Budanov, and chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov.

“I appreciate President Trump and the United States’ support. Not a single day will be wasted,” Zelensky stated, acknowledging the declaration while noting that the challenging issue of future status of territories captured by Russia remains unresolved.

Discussion on Venezuela

The teleconference also addressed the current situation in Venezuela following the U.S. attack over the weekend in Caracas and its surroundings, which resulted in the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, according to Washington.

France, during its 2026 G7 presidency and in preparation for the Evian summit, will continue collaborating with its partners to respond to crises, combat global imbalances, and rebuild international partnerships.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who participated in the teleconference? The foreign ministers of the G7, including representatives from Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
  • What was the main topic of discussion? The situation in Ukraine and Venezuela, as well as the recently signed Paris Declaration outlining security guarantees for Ukraine.
  • What is the Paris Declaration? A document signed by the Coalition of Volunteers for Ukraine, which details international force deployment and a binding commitment to defend allies should Ukraine reach a peace agreement with Russia.
  • What is the current situation in Venezuela? Following a U.S. attack in Caracas, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly captured, according to Washington.
  • What are France’s plans for the G7 presidency in 2026? France intends to work with its partners to address crises, combat global imbalances, and rebuild international partnerships in preparation for the Evian summit.