Overview

• Trump lauded Chancellor Merz as a “strong” and “clever” man and noted his recent electoral victory following their July 5 phone conversation.
• They explored the potential delivery of Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, with Trump saying he has not yet made a final decision.
• Merz emphasized that Ukraine “must be protected” as they discussed ways to bolster the country’s defenses.
• Beyond Patriot systems, the leaders considered broader measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense network against Russian attacks.
• The call also addressed US-EU trade frictions, touching on steel and aluminum tariffs as part of broader economic negotiations.