**US President Trump Offers Germany Gas Deals, But No Ukraine Aid or Russia Sanctions**
In a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 5, US President Donald Trump offered to increase supplies of American energy exports to Berlin. However, he did not make any commitments to provide additional military aid to Ukraine or impose sanctions on Russia.
This was Merz’s first visit to the White House since becoming chancellor. During a joint press conference with Merz, Trump dodged questions about imposing additional sanctions on Russia by boasting that he “ended Nord Stream 2” and hinting at future energy deals with Germany.
“We have so much oil and gas, you will not be able to buy it all,” Trump said. “I hope we’ll be able to make that part of our trade deal.”
While Merz spoke of a “duty” to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, Trump did not make any commitments to further military aid for Kyiv. In the same press conference, he compared Russia and Ukraine to fighting children and refused to name a deadline for imposing sanctions on Moscow.
**Trump’s Energy Focus**
Trump has frequently highlighted Europe’s reliance on Russian energy when questioned about Washington’s role in pressuring the Kremlin or supporting Ukraine. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines running between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea have been a point of contention.
Nord Stream 2 was shut down after suspected sabotage in 2022, but discussions are reportedly underway with the US to resume gas flows through the pipeline. Trump has pursued warmer relations and stronger economic ties with Moscow since his inauguration in January 2025.
**No Commitments on Ukraine Aid**
The leaders’ discussion on June 6 focused primarily on Russia’s war against Ukraine, NATO, and trade policy. However, Merz said that the German government will “do everything to ensure that Nord Stream 2 cannot be put back into operation.”
This indicates a continued commitment from Germany to limit Russian energy influence in Europe. Meanwhile, Trump remains non-committal on providing additional military aid to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Russia.
**Commentary**
Trump’s meeting with Merz highlights the complex and often contradictory approach of the US president towards Russia and Ukraine. On one hand, he has touted his role as a peacemaker between the two nations, while also boasting about his ability to increase American energy exports to Germany.
On the other hand, Trump’s refusal to commit to further military aid for Ukraine or impose sanctions on Russia raises concerns about his willingness to pressure Moscow. This mixed message is likely to have significant implications for US-Russia relations and European security dynamics.
**Analysis**
The lack of commitments from Trump on Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining a unified Western approach towards Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. While Germany continues to prioritize limiting Russian energy influence, the US president remains hesitant to impose meaningful pressure on Moscow.
This divide may further exacerbate tensions within NATO and hinder efforts to counter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is crucial that world leaders like Trump remain committed to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty and imposing consequences for Russia’s actions.
