US president says Germany ‘totally controlled by Russia’ over energy pact
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump accused Germany of being “totally controlled by Russia” yesterday in a blistering attack on an ally that overshadowed the Nato summit.
The US president accused Angela Merkel’s country of being “captive” to Russia because of its joint energy deals, including a proposed new gas pipeline.
He questioned why America was spending billions of dollars countering the Kremlin through Nato, while European countries handed similar amounts to Russia in business deals.
Mr Trump also suggested that Nato’s 29 members should spend 4pc of their GDP on defence – double the 2pc target that all but a handful of countries already fail to meet.
The criticism drew a rebuttal from Ms Merkel, who said Germany was “independent” and pointedly referred to her upbringing in the Soviet-controlled East.
The clash undermined the message of “strength and unity” that US officials had hoped would result from the two-day gathering in Brussels.
But the worst fears of Nato officials – that Mr Trump would threaten to withdraw troops from Europe unless defence spending was increased – did not come to pass, with the US president declining to issue the warning when asked.
The row began yesterday morning when Mr Trump voiced his criticism in a meeting with Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary-general.
He said: “Germany, as far as I’m concerned, is captive to Russia because it’s getting so much of its energy from Russia. So we’re supposed to protect Germany, but they’re getting their energy from Russia. Explain that. It can’t be explained.”
He singled out the Nord Stream II pipeline, which is proposed to carry natural gas between Russia and Germany.
The project, led by the Russian state-owned company Gazprom, has been criticised because it increases the EU’s reliance on Russian energy.
Mr Trump claimed the deal would result in European countries paying “billions of dollars into the coffers of Russia”, which he said was “very inappropriate”.
He added: “Germany is totally controlled by Russia, because they are getting 60 to 70pc of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline.”
Mr Stoltenberg attempted to push back during the discussion, noting that “even during the Cold War, Nato allies were trading with Russia”.
However, when the German chancellor arrived at the summit three hours later, she said: “I have experienced myself how a part of Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union.”
Ms Merkel also defended her country’s contribution to the alliance, saying: “Germany does a lot for Nato.”
The pair later met for talks, with both praising the strength of their relationship.
Mr Stoltenberg played down the row, saying: “We do have disagreements. But most importantly we have decisions that are pushing this alliance for-
wards and making us stronger.”
A source close to French President Emmanuel Macron said Mr Trump had voiced his “personal attachment” to Europe and gave “rather positive and constructive messages” to his allies. “There is no break-up between America and Europe,” the source said after Macron and Trump held “friendly” talks. (© Daily Telegraph, London)