Germany's outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz, affirmed during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump had a key role in negotiations with Russia, according to a German government spokesperson.
"The chancellor welcomed the Ukrainian president's willingness to enter into negotiations at the earliest possible date", said the spokesperson in a statement.
"Both agreed on the importance of the U.S. president's leadership role, also with a view to achieving a swift start to a ceasefire and lasting peace for Ukraine", it added.
Scholz also reiterated Germany's continued and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine during the call, added the spokesperson.