"I welcome President Trump's great plan to send weapons to Ukraine against Russia" – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

"I welcome President Trump's great plan to send weapons to Ukraine against Russia" – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Berlin, July 15, 2025 – Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new military aid proposal, calling it “a significant initiative.”

In a statement issued Monday night, Merz said:
“President Trump made an important announcement today: the United States will supply extensive weapons to Ukraine if European partners cover the full cost. I strongly support this initiative.”

He noted that he had held multiple discussions with Trump on this issue over the past few days, and firmly assured that Germany will play “a decisive role” in this strategy.

“We are doing this in our own interest” – Merz
The German Chancellor stated:
“We Europeans are doing this in our own interest. Helping Ukraine defend itself from Russian bombings is now the priority. This is the only way to put pressure on Moscow to eventually force them to sit at the negotiating table.”

Merz further added:
“Finally, we are showing that we can act in unity as security partners. We will now swiftly clarify the details of this initiative and coordinate with our European allies.”

Trump’s tough message and European cost-sharing framework
In a meeting at the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Trump expressed frustration at the lack of progress in ending the Ukraine war and criticized Russia. He declared:
“We are launching a system—The U.S. will supply weapons to Ukraine, but the cost will be borne by the European countries. America will pay nothing; we will only manufacture the weapons.”

As part of this initiative, Trump issued a warning:
“If no peace deal is reached within the next 50 days, we will impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries doing business with Russia.”

NATO Secretary General Rutte described Trump’s announcement as “a realistic and effective decision” and confirmed:
“This weapons assistance will be implemented through NATO, and the full cost will be borne by the Europeans.”

Analysis: A test of European leadership
Chancellor Merz’s remarks and Germany’s active role indicate that the European Union no longer wishes to remain passively reliant on America—they are ready to step up and lead in security, defense, and strategic positioning.

Experts believe Trump’s new plan could be a turning point in the course of the Ukraine war. While it shifts greater strategic responsibility onto Europe’s shoulders, it also dramatically increases pressure on Russia.