Trump says he might let Russia and Ukraine fight it out a while longer
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Trump and Merz in the Oval. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
President Trump compared Russia and Ukraine with "children fighting in the park" on Thursday and suggested it might be better to let them keep on fighting for a while.
Why it matters: Trump's remarks were another signal that he thinks Russia and Ukraine aren't ready to make peace, and that he's considering stepping back from his initiative to convince them to do so.
- Ukrainian officials are concerned that retreat from Trump will only serve Russia's interests.
- But Trump said the "bad blood" and deep "hatred" between the sides — combined with Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to hitting back hard for the surprise attack inside Russia — would make it hard to reach a ceasefire any time soon.
What he's saying: During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, Trump said he'd given Putin an analogy during their phone call on Wednesday.
- "Sometimes you see two young children fighting in the park....sometimes you're better off letting them fight more before you pull them apart," Trump said.
- He also compared himself to a hockey referee letting players fight for a bit before putting an end to it.
- When they discussed the Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's strategic air bases, Trump said Putin told him: "'We have no choice but to attack.' It's not gonna be pretty. I told him don't do it," Trump said.
What's next: Trump was asked three times if he would impose new sanctions against Russia or allow the sanctions bill pushed by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to pass.
- Trump was non-committal, saying he'd discuss it with Merz but suggesting nothing was imminent. He even suggested he might sanction both Russia and Ukraine because "it takes two to tango."
- "When I see the moment where it's not gonna stop, we will be very tough, and it could be on both countries," Trump said. "If Russia is out of line, you will be amazed how tough (I'll be)."
The other side: Merz politely urged Trump to be tougher on Putin. He said Trump is the one who can end the war by applying pressure.
- "We have a duty to stop it now. We are on the side of Ukraine," Merz said.
