![Trump initially conversed with Merz post his inauguration for the first time. [Picture included]](/en/img/20250510224819_pexels-image-search-image-description-sunset-beach-landscape.jpeg)
Diplomacy: Merz and Trump: Smoothing Over Tensions and Discussing Ukraine, Tariffs, and a Potential US Visit
Merz and Trump seek resolutions for Ukraine's issues and tariff concerns - Merz and Trump deliberate on solutions for Ukraine conflicts and tariff issues
Here's the scoop on a recent phone chat between new Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and US President Donald Trump. Officially described as a "remarkably positive, relaxed, and polite" conversation, the call occurred two days after Merz's election and inauguration, and apparently covered some notable topics.
The conversation's main focus was Ukraine, constituting a substantial part of the 30-minute discussion. Both parties expressed readiness for close cooperation with the goal of putting an end to the Russian attack. Famous government spokesman Stefan Kornelius hinted at the central point, stating that the Chancellor echoed the President's demand for a swift cessation of violence in Ukraine and urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire. In turn, Trump expressed his support for European peace initiatives.
However, significant differences between the US and European allies concerning the path to a peace settlement for Ukraine are brewing. While Trump is insisting on concessions from Ukraine to Russia, Europe focuses on a more comprehensive approach, including resolving territorial disputes without officially recognizing Russian control over Ukrainian lands.
Beijing's trade dispute with the US and EU was the second topic tackled during the conversation. The two leaders agreed to find a swift resolution to the ongoing US-EU trade disputes, but a definitive answer remains elusive. In fact, just a day prior, the EU Commission revealed plans to prepare additional tariffs totaling up to 95 billion euros on US exports in the event that ongoing negotiations don't bring about a solution.
Merz, being a relative stranger to Trump prior to the conversation, reportedly mentioned Trump's German roots and digressed into the President's hometown of Kallstadt on the wine route in Rhineland-Palatinate. It seems Trump's ancestors emigrated from there to New York at the end of the 19th century. Trump indicated he could envision a visit to Germany, as he had rarely visited Germany apart from stopovers at the US airbase Ramstein during the G20 summit in 2017.
Merz also extended an invitation to Trump, expressing interest in visiting the US before mid-June. The President mirrored the invitation, so keep your fingers crossed for a potential meeting between the two leaders soon!
- The phone conversation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and US President Donald Trump was described as positive, relaxed, and polite, with the main focus being Ukraine.
- Both leaders expressed a readiness for close cooperation to halt the Russian attack in Ukraine, with Trump supporting European peace initiatives.
- However, there is a significant difference between the US and European allies regarding the path to a peace settlement for Ukraine, with Trump emphasizing concessions from Ukraine to Russia, while Europe focuses on a comprehensive approach.
- Trump showed interest in visiting Germany, mentioning his German roots and the President's hometown of Kallstadt, while Merz extended an invitation for Trump to visit the US before mid-June, with Trump also mirrored the invitation.
