German chancellor played key role in Trump's decision to maintain aid to Ukraine: FM
Iran Press TV
Sunday, 20 July 2025 7:04 AM
US President Donald Trump's decision to continue military aid to Ukraine can be attributed, in many aspects, to the diplomatic efforts of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to Germany's foreign minister.
Johann Wadephul, in an interview with Bild on Sunday, highlighted that Merz "played a significant role" in turning Trump's stance towards Ukraine aid in its conflict with Russia.
"The entire Europe is on Ukraine's side. The United States is also ready to continue support. This is, to a significant extent, a result of the German chancellor's initiative," he said. "Friedrich Merz played a significant role in this, because he made it clear from the very outset that he defends Ukraine."
"Friedrich Merz phoned Donald Trump and said there is a need for the United States now. We can only be glad that the chancellor has established a pragmatic relationship with the US president, and that the voice of Germany is heard in Washington again," Wadephul said.
On July 14, Trump said that the US will continue transferring military equipment and weapons to Ukraine if Europe pays for the supplies and NATO coordinates the process. According to Trump, the deliveries will include 17 Patriot systems
Trump also said the US would impose import duties of 100% on Russia and its trade partners if Moscow and Washington did not reach an agreement on resolving the conflict in Ukraine within 50 days.
After returning to the White House in January, Trump scaled back support for Ukraine, said Washington's aid to Kiev is a drain on the US taxpayer, and criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky of being an obstacle to peace.
However, in recent weeks, Trump has signaled his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for allegedly refusing to negotiate a ceasefire proposal.
While Putin has agreed to a brief pause in the fighting, he has rejected US proposals for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Russia has argued that the proposal, which Ukraine has accepted, would give Kiev a chance to remobilize its troops and rearm.
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