German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Thursday, according to government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius. They discussed the next steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The Chancellor praised the U.S. Congress’s approval of the Graham Sanctions Act. This legislation imposes sanctions on Russia’s energy and defense industries, as well as its so-called “shadow fleet.” Furthermore, the act allows Trump to levy tariffs against the largest importers of Russian oil and gas. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea was also part of the conversation. The government spokesperson stated that both waterways require rapid opening. Merz and Trump also recalled the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, which marked their 25th anniversary last week. The Chancellor reportedly spoke about the strong connection between German and American citizens.
Politics
