Published: 15:06, June 6, 2025 | Updated: 15:13, June 6, 2025
Trump says it may be better for Russia-Ukraine conflict to last longer
By Xinhua
US President Donald Trump (left) greets Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (PHOTO / AP)

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said Thursday that it might be better to let Russia and Ukraine keep on fighting for a while despite German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's call for more US pressure on Russia.

When meeting with Merz at the White House, Trump said that the "bad blood" and "hatred" between the sides would make it hard to reach a ceasefire any time soon, marking a shift from his earlier proclamation that the conflict would end quickly.

ALSO READ: Germany's Merz to face Trump in Oval Office on inaugural trip

"They fight, fight, fight," Trump said. "Sometimes you let them fight for a little while. You see it in hockey. You see it in sports. The referees let them go for a couple of seconds. Let them go for a little while before you pull them apart."

READ MORE: Trump: Putin vows to hit Ukraine back for attacks on Russia's strategic air bases

During the meeting, Merz told Trump that "America is again in a very strong position of ending this war," adding: "We are looking for more pressure on Russia."

READ MORE: Kremlin says meeting between Putin, Trump, Zelensky unlikely anytime soon

On new sanctions on Russia, Trump said on Thursday that nothing was imminent. However, he hinted he might sanction both Russia and Ukraine because "it takes two to tango."

"When I see the moment when it's not going to stop, we'll be very tough," Trump said. "And it could be on both countries."