Trump told Merz about the relationship between Putin and Zelensky

U.S. President Donald Trump said that mutual hostility allegedly persists between the leaderships of Russia and Ukraine.

He made the remarks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.

“Between President [Vladimir] Putin and President [Volodymyr] Zelensky there is enormous hatred. Enormous hatred. I’ve seen a lot of hatred in my life, but I think this is practically at the highest level,” the American leader emphasized.

Trump again expressed the opinion that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia would not have begun if he had been president.

“If the elections (of 2020) hadn’t been rigged—my elections—this war would never have happened,” the White House chief said.

Earlier, it was reported that Merz, during his visit to the United States, would use his trusting relationship with Trump to try to bring him over to Ukraine’s side. It was also noted that ahead of the trip and against the backdrop of U.S. strikes on Iran, Merz chose his words carefully. In particular, he declined to “lecture” partners given the events in the Middle East.