Germany's Merz 'extremely satisfied' with Trump talks – DW – 06/05/2025
Skip next section Merz asks Trump to put 'more pressure' on Russia
Merz said Trump was the 'key person' in the world who could pressure Russia Image: Evan Vucci/AP/picture alliance
As the press conference turned to Ukraine, Trump reiterated his claim that the war in Ukraine "would have never happened" if he had been president.
Merz said he hoped the US and Germany could work together to bring the war to an end.
"I am here to talk about how we could contribute to that goal … we are looking for measures and instruments to bring this war to an end," Merz said.
After winning the German election, Merz had openly expressed doubt about the robustness of the trans-Atlantic alliance, saying that Germany and Europe are now facing a "real paradigm shift in foreign and security policy."
"May I remind you tomorrow is June 6, the D-day anniversary when the Americans once ended a war in Europe," Merz said to Trump at the White House.
"In the long run, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship … We know what we owe you," Merz said.
"America is again in a very strong position to do something on ending this war, so let's talk about doing what we can," he added.
"We are looking for more pressure on Russia, we should talk about that," Merz said.
Since Trump took office, his overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has led to concern about US commitment to European security.
"It's a bloodbath going on over there," Trump said, referring to Ukraine.
Maybe there will be "more fighting before they are able to be pulled apart," Trump said, comparing the war in Ukraine to children fighting on a schoolyard.
"If I see Russia's out of line, you'll see how tough ...They like to say I am friends with Russia, I am not friends with anybody, I am friends with you," Trump said, gesturing to Merz.
"I want the right thing to happen for everybody," Trump said.
Merz said he agreed with Trump on ending the war quickly.
"I am for stopping killing ... I think we both agree on how terrible this war is, we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon," Merz said.
"I told the president that he is the key person in the world who can do that by putting pressure on Russia," Merz added.
"I think we have the duty to do something on that now to stop it."
DW's Washington bureau chief, Ines Pohl, said that Chancellor Merz calling Trump the most important factor in pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine was a savvy attempt at flattery.
She added that waiting until after the cameras were rolling to discuss the details with Trump was a "smart" move by Merz.
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