Merkel vs Trump for Russia

German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries has called on the European Union to respond to legislation on new US sanctions against Russia, as it could be damaged by Western companies' business issues with Russia.

In the new legislation, which was adopted by majority by Congress in the US, sanctions also include several Russian energy firms.

This legislation is expected to be signed by President Trump.

European leaders have said the new sanctions would harm their economies.

Deposits may affect Europe, so they can allow President Trump to impose sanctions on Western businesses that work with Russia's Gazprom.

Very simply, we consider these sanctions against international law”, German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries has said, in an interview for the newspaper Funke Medinagrouppe.

The American can't punish German companies because they have business interests in other states”, it has added.

Of course we don't want a trade war. But it is important for the European Commission to take steps”, Zypries has said, among other things.

According to her, Berlin has repeatedly urged Washington not to include provisions affecting European companies, under Russia's sanction legislation, following claims that this country has intervened in the US's 2016 presidential election, for aggression in Ukraine and other issues. /rel