REUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced after a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that they seek a "peaceful solution" to the conflict in Russia-occupied Donbas, the east of Ukraine.
"I also appreciate Chancellor Merkel's leadership along with the French President [Francois Hollande] to resolve the conflict in Ukraine where we ideally seek a peaceful solution," he said at a joint press conference at the White House on Friday, March 17.
Read alsoCNBC: Trump expresses 'strong support' for NATO, presses Merkel on paying duesThe itinerary of the bilateral talks included talks on resolving Ukraine's conflict and fighting the Islamic State, strengthening NATO, all matters that require close cooperation between the U.S. and Germany, the White House said.
"Our two countries must continue to work together to protect our people from radical Islamic terrorism," Trump added.
Merkel in turn said that relations with Russia need to be improved but the situation in Ukraine must be resolved first.