Trump has threatened to reduce US troops in Germany following criticism from Merz regarding the Iran war. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is seeking clarification on Russia's ceasefire proposal after Trump's comments.
Key points
Trump threatens US troop reduction in Germany
Response to Merz's criticism of Iran war
Zelenskyy seeks clarification on Russia's ceasefire proposal
Concerns over Moscow's Victory Day parade security
No military hardware at the parade due to drone threats
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpVolodymyr ZelenskyyVladimir PutinGermanyRussia
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to Trump’s comments after his phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
In a post on social media, he said he instructed his team to contact Trump’s aides to “clarify the details of Russia’s proposal for a short-term ceasefire.”
“Ukraine seeks peace and is doing the necessary diplomatic work to bring this war to a real end. We will clarify what exactly this is about – a few hours of security for a parade in Moscow, or something more.”
This, obviously, is a swipe at Moscow’s decision to hold Victory Day parade next week with no military hardware because of fears of a long-range attack by Ukrainian drones.
Zelenskyy continued:
“Our proposal is a long-term ceasefire, reliable and guaranteed security for people, and a lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to work toward this in any dignified and effective format.”
US president Donald Trump threatened to reduce the number of troops deployed in Germany last night, after chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week that the US was being “humilitated” by Iran.
US president Donald Trump meets with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House in March.
US president Donald Trump meets with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House in March. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Trump said the US was “studying and reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time.”
Q&A
What did Trump say about US troops in Germany?
Trump threatened to reduce US troop levels in Germany in response to criticism from German politician Merz regarding the Iran war.
How did Zelenskyy respond to Trump's comments?
Zelenskyy stated he would instruct his team to contact Trump's aides to clarify the details of Russia's ceasefire proposal.
What is the context of Zelenskyy's comments about a ceasefire?
Zelenskyy's comments come after Russia proposed a short-term ceasefire, which he aims to clarify whether it is a genuine offer or merely a tactic related to an upcoming parade.
What is the significance of the Victory Day parade in Moscow?
The Victory Day parade is significant as it commemorates Russia's victory in World War II, but this year it will feature no military hardware due to security concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks.
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Earlier yesterday, he posted a separate criticism of Merz’s Germany, saying:
“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage. I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
His comments come just hours after Trump’s phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and – which is likely to be of significance - after Merz repeatedly criticised Trump’s decision to start the Iran war and partially blamed it for Germany’s worse than expected economic results.
At a recent meeting with high school students, Merz said that the US was “being humiliated” by Iran’s leadership through taking part in negotiations that come to nothing, and that the war “is costing us a lot of money … and a lot of economic strength.”
“This war against Iran has a direct impact on our economic performance, and for that reason it must be brought to an end as soon as possible,” he said.
Ouch.
He still insisted that his relationship with Trump was good though, but not sure that’s the case any more.
Let’s see if we are going to hear a reaction from Germany today.
Elsewhere, I will look out for comments on Trump’s phone call with Putin – including his suggestions that Ukraine is “defeated” and that Putin was working on some sort of temporary ceasefire.
It’s Thursday, 30 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
