US President Donald Trump said Friday he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed on the need for a "peaceful solution" to the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump told reporters he appreciated Merkel's counsel and partnership in efforts "to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, where we ideally seek a peaceful solution."

On Thursday, the United States reiterated its condemnation of Russia's annexation of Crimea, vowing to maintain related sanctions until Moscow returns the strategic Black Sea peninsula to Kiev.