Trump accused Germany of being controlled by Russia, Merkel answers

Periskopi

11 July 2018, 14:30(8 years ago)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany makes independent “” and gets “independent decisions”. Merkel made these comments hours after United States President Donald Trump said Berlin “is thoroughly controlled by Russia”. I myself have experienced the time when a part of Germany was occupied by the Union [...]

Merkel made these comments hours after United States President Donald Trump said Berlin “is thoroughly controlled by Russia”.

I have personally experienced the time when a part of Germany was occupied by the Soviet Union”, said Merkel, who grew up in communist East Germany.

I am very happy that today we are united in the Federal Republic of Germany and we can make independent politics and make independent decisions”, Merkel said as she arrived at the NATO summit in Brussels.

It also defended Germany's contribution to NATO, which has been named insufficient by Trump.

“German does a lot for NATO”, Merkel said.

“German is the second largest troop bidder; most of our military capacities are offered to NATO, and we also have a strong commitment in Afghanistan. It also protects the interests of the United States”, Merkel said.

She will meet Trump on Wednesday afternoon, the White House confirmed.