German Chancellor Merz urged Trump to include Europe in Ukraine peace talks, warning exclusion would undermine legitimacy.

On March 3, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged U.S. President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russia and ensure Europe’s inclusion in Ukraine peace talks, warning that any agreement without European input would lack legitimacy. Merz emphasized Ukraine’s right to defend its sovereignty and stressed that Germany remains its top supporter. Trump, meanwhile, criticized Spain over military spending and base access, threatening trade sanctions, while U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian drone sites. Ukraine reported reclaiming more territory than it lost since its 2023 counteroffensive, and Belgium seized a Russian-linked tanker for violating sanctions.