News   /   Germany

Germany warns US against unilateral deals with Putin

Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (AFP photo)

Germany has warned US President Donald Trump that if he makes any unilateral deal with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in an upcoming summit, he would risk losing allies in Europe.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Sunday that Trump’s meeting with Putin in Helsinki, Finland, a day later was generally a positive move which could help the two powers sort out their differences. However, he warned making any deal that could harm Europe would entail costs for Trump.

“He who offends his partners, risks losing in the end. Unilateral deals at the expense of one’s own partners also harm the US in the end,” said Maas in an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

Trump has raised fresh concerns among European allies with comments he made during his trip this week to Brussels for a NATO military alliance summit. He directly addressed Germany’s special ties to Russia and even called Berlin a "captive" of Moscow due to its huge energy reliance on the Russians.

Trump has also changed his tone vis-à-vis Russia ahead of his Monday meeting with Putin. He said Thursday that Russia was more of a “competitor” than an “enemy” for the United States.

 Russian Matryoshka dolls depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are on sale in the Ruslania book store in Helsinki on July 9, 2018. (AFP photo)

Maas reiterated in his Sunday interview that Germany was generally supportive of the idea that the US and Russia could settle their differences and reach agreements on key issues like nuclear disarmament.

“It would be a step forward if this meeting also provided impetus for nuclear disarmament,” he said, adding, “We have always said that we need dialogue with Russia. That’s why it’s good if Washington and Moscow talk to each other.”


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku