WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on a diplomatic journey across Europe, starting Saturday. His itinerary includes a significant meeting with foreign ministers from the leading industrialized countries, which will concentrate on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
According to the State Department, Blinken will engage in discussions related to the Group of Seven (G7) and hold bilateral talks outside of Rome on Monday and Tuesday. This diplomatic trip occurs as the Biden administration approaches its conclusion, amid concerns regarding the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
The G7, consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has actively supported Ukraine, particularly since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. President Joe Biden is focused on ensuring that military and economic assistance to Ukraine is not only maintained but also enhanced. G7 nations are apprehensive about possible changes Trump may implement concerning U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Trump has voiced criticism over the extensive funding that the Biden administration has allocated to Ukraine. In recent developments, Washington has escalated its arms support and has forgiven substantial loans extended to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has made statements implying he could resolve the war within a day, which many interpret as a suggestion that he would advocate for Ukraine to concede territory currently held by Russia.
On the matter of the Middle East, Trump has begun appointing officials known for their strong pro-Israel stances. His administration is anticipated to adopt a policy that emphasizes support for Israel, potentially sidelining Palestinian aspirations and the prospect of a two-state solution, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict centered around Gaza that began following Hamas’s attacks on Israel over the last year.
Various Arab foreign ministers are anticipated to join the G7 in Italy to participate in urgent negotiations aimed at ceasing hostilities in Gaza. They will also work toward establishing governance, reconstruction, and security measures for the severely affected regions after the conflict concludes.
U.S. officials are racing against time to finalize this structural plan before the end of Biden’s term in January, yet they face numerous hurdles. Recent complications arose with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for key figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his prior defense minister, and leading Hamas officials.
Additionally, discussions within the G7 will touch on Israel’s military actions in Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah. U.S. officials are encouraged by recent diplomatic initiatives that could lead to a cease-fire agreement.
Blinken’s agenda will also encompass discussions about U.S.-China relations, particularly amid rising concerns over Beijing’s assertiveness towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea, along with ongoing trade tensions that Trump has indicated he may address through significant tariffs on Chinese goods.
Before concluding his trip, Blinken has scheduled meetings with Pope Francis and several senior officials in Vatican City on Wednesday, after which he will return to Washington.