Trump compared the Ukraine war to a child’s fight, suggesting letting both sides clash before intervening.
In a bold moment during a joint address at the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump shocked many by comparing the war in Ukraine to a playground fight. He said sometimes it’s better to “let them fight a little” before stepping in to separate them—an idea that quickly sparked criticism.
Previously, Trump had shown more concern about ending the conflict and backing Ukraine’s right to defend itself. But this time, his words hinted at a more distant approach, where both Ukraine and Russia are left to face the pain of war for a while before peace is pushed forward.
Trump also claimed that he shared this idea with Russian during a recent phone call, though no proof of that conversation has been made public.
Merz Urges Swift Peace and Strengthened Cooperation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz handled the topic with more caution. He highlighted the need to stop the war quickly and placed clear blame on Vladimir Putin for the destruction. While Trump’s comments stirred strong reactions, Merz focused on unity, peace, and Germany’s firm backing of Ukraine.
Their meeting was also filled with symbolic moments. Merz gifted Trump a gold-framed birth certificate of Trump’s grandfather and called him a “key figure” in the world stage—signs of mutual respect despite political differences. He also extended a formal invitation for Trump to visit Germany.
Beyond Ukraine, the two leaders touched on defense and trade. Merz showed support for raising NATO defense contributions in the future, while Trump pushed a bold idea of 5% GDP military spending from all allies.
On trade, Trump repeated his frustrations about German car exports and warned that tariffs could return if talks with the EU don’t go well. Merz, however, warned that such moves might harm both sides and said investment should be the main focus, not punishment.
The meeting showed a mix of tension and diplomacy, with Merz working to keep ties strong while Trump stirred conversation with his blunt style. As global leaders watch, the next few months will show whether bold words can turn into real-world results.
