Merz hopes Trump will help end Russia's war against Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the Sharm el Sheikh Summit, also known as the 2025 Gaza peace summit, has called for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine and expressed hope for the participation of US President Donald Trump in achieving peace.

"We must not forget that Russia's war against Ukraine has been ongoing for three and a half years, just a few hours' flight away from us," Merz said, as quoted by German TV news channel n-tv.

He added that he intends to use the opportunity to discuss with Trump what they can do together to bring this war to an end.

"This platform sends a signal: if the international community stands united, it is possible," the chancellor stressed.

Merz emphasised that for Europeans, the war in Europe is the greatest threat to freedom.

"I do not want to hide this: we are also counting on the continued support of the United States of America. Just as they have demonstrated it in this region, they must show it together with us in Ukraine and against Russia," he added.

Trump, speaking in the Israeli parliament, said that after the end of the war in Gaza, the focus should shift to ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

Trump believes that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin "is going to settle" the Russo-Ukrainian war; otherwise, it will have negative consequences for him.

He also stated that he might inform Putin of the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles if the war is not resolved soon.