According to The Wall Street Journal, Merz’s influence on the U.S. president appears stronger than that of his predecessor Olaf Scholz. Sources close to the German chancellor said Merz’s readiness to finance American-made weapons for Ukraine also helped secure Trump’s approval.The WSJ notes that Merz’s personal intervention, as well as Berlin’s initiative, was instrumental in what some European officials call Trump’s "complete U-turn" on Russia and Ukraine — an unexpected decision to support at least some form of military aid to Kyiv.The article highlights that Merz reached out to Trump immediately after reports surfaced that the Pentagon had frozen Ukraine aid approved during the Biden administration. Their conversation took place on July 3. According to sources familiar with the exchange, Merz phoned Trump ostensibly to congratulate him on U.S. Independence Day — but also to “offer a deal” for Germany to purchase two Patriot systems from the U.S. for Ukraine’s use. Trump reportedly didn’t give a direct answer but expressed his frustration with Putin.However, on July 11, following another massive Russian missile attack on Ukraine, Trump unexpectedly called Merz himself. According to sources, he expressed frustration over Putin’s behavior, surprising the German leader, who realized Trump’s patience with the Kremlin was running out. During that call, Trump agreed to the Patriot deal — and even offered five systems instead of two.Merz reportedly accepted the offer immediately but added that he would need to discuss the funding details with other European leaders.According to the WSJ, Germany will likely transfer its two existing Patriot systems to Ukraine and order replacements from the U.S. at an estimated cost of $2 billion. Norway will finance an additional system, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that Denmark, Finland, and Canada could also join the effort.