Merz Gets Warm Reception, but Fails to Secure Trump Commitment on Russia
Briefly

During his visit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged President Trump to take a stronger stance against Russia in the Ukraine conflict. However, Trump suggested that sometimes conflicts need to escalate before they can be resolved, likening the situation to children fighting in a park or a hockey game. Merz believes Trump’s influence could be pivotal in achieving peace, as he is seen as having the power to pressure Moscow effectively, despite Trump's reluctance to intervene more forcefully at this stage.
Mr. Trump compared the Russia-Ukraine conflict to a hockey game, suggesting sometimes it's better to let opponents fight before attempting to resolve their issues.
Mr. Merz expressed hope for President Trump to assume a more active role in pressuring Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine.
Trump implied that both sides might need to endure more suffering before they could be separated in the conflict, reflecting his unorthodox approach to foreign relations.
Mr. Merz emphasized that Trump holds a crucial position in pushing for a resolution to the conflict, indicating his importance in global diplomacy.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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