President Donald Trump recently suggested that it may be beneficial for Ukraine and Russia to continue their conflict for a while before attempting to mediate peace. This remark came during a meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where Trump drew a comparison between the war in Ukraine and a fight between two children who dislike each other. He expressed that sometimes it is better to let them "fight for a while" before intervening.
Trump mentioned that he shared this analogy with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call the day before. During the meeting, Chancellor Merz emphasized that he and Trump both recognize the gravity of the ongoing war and see Trump as a vital figure who could help end the violence. However, Merz also made it clear that Germany supports Ukraine and believes its military actions are focused on military targets, not civilians.
This meeting marked the first in-person encounter between Trump and Merz since the latter took office. The two leaders have previously communicated by phone on multiple occasions, aiming to build a cooperative relationship that contrasts with the tensions seen during Trump’s first term, particularly with former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merz is actively involved in Ukraine’s diplomacy, having visited Kyiv shortly after taking office and hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. He has acknowledged Trump’s support for a ceasefire but firmly rejected the notion of a "dictated peace" that would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Merz is also advocating for increased sanctions against Russia.
The discussions between Trump and Merz included topics such as defense spending, trade, and NATO commitments. A White House official indicated that Trump is likely to press Germany on its defense spending, particularly in light of NATO’s expectations. Trump has previously criticized Germany for not meeting the NATO target of spending 2% of its GDP on defense and is now pushing for a higher target of 5%.
Merz’s government is focused on strengthening Germany’s military, which has faced challenges in recent years. Under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany became a significant supplier of military aid to Ukraine and has committed to continuing this support. Merz has promised to ensure that the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, receives the necessary funding to become a leading conventional military force in Europe.
In addition to military issues, trade relations were a key topic. Germany exported $160 billion worth of goods to the U.S. last year, creating a significant trade surplus that Trump aims to reduce. He has expressed intentions to impose tariffs on German automobiles to encourage manufacturing in the U.S.
As both leaders navigate these complex issues, the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands is seen as a critical opportunity for Germany to reaffirm its commitment to defense spending. The dynamics between the U.S. and Germany, especially regarding military and economic policies, will continue to evolve as they work together on pressing global challenges.