Tue Mar 04 07:28:18 UTC 2025: ## Germany to Boost Defence Spending After Trump-Zelensky Clash
**Berlin, Germany** – Germany is poised to significantly increase its defence spending in response to the heated confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Friedrich Merz, the likely next German chancellor, described the White House exchange as a “deliberate escalation” that necessitates increased investment in the German military.
Merz, whose center-right CDU/CSU alliance won the recent election, stated that the Friday clash, which saw Trump urge Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia and express dissatisfaction with Ukrainian gratitude, has made it “almost inevitable” for Germany to bolster its defences. This sentiment is shared by other European allies, who have been unnerved by the unpredictable nature of US support for Ukraine.
Coalition talks between Merz’s CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) are underway, with both parties expressing optimism about a swift agreement on increased defence spending. Merz anticipates reaching a decision on the financial parameters this week, before an upcoming EU security summit. While the SPD emphasizes a broader investment strategy encompassing both defence and infrastructure, the parties are reportedly exploring the creation of two special funds totaling potentially €900 billion ($948 billion) to address these needs.
The urgency to act stems from uncertainty regarding continued US support for Ukraine and wider calls for European partners to shoulder more responsibility for their own security. Although a long-time advocate for transatlantic ties, Merz stressed the need for greater European defence independence, stating that Germany must “prepare to do much, much more for our own security.” He, however, insisted on maintaining strong US involvement in Europe. The agreement on defence spending is expected to be finalized before the new Bundestag convenes in March.
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