German Chancellor Friedrich Merz played a major role in changing U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance toward Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

“Friedrich Merz played a major role in this, because from the very first day he openly declared his support for Ukraine,” the minister said.

According to him, Merz emphasized this while in the Oval Office, and continued to underline his position during one-on-one talks with Trump at the G7 summit:

“Friedrich Merz called Donald Trump and told him that U.S. support is needed now. We can be pleased that the German Chancellor was able to establish such a rational relationship with the U.S. President, and that Germany’s voice is once again being heard in Washington.”