US President Barack Obama has urged president-elect Donald Trump to “stand up to” Russia when it deviates from international “values and norms”, warning his successor against striking “convenient” deals with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Speaking in Germany at a press conference with chancellor Angela Merkel, Mr Obama said he hoped Mr Trump would not simply take “a realpolitik approach” and “cut deals with Russia, even if it hurts people”.
His call came as he and Ms Merkel emphasised their support for liberal democracy, freedom and free trade and the importance of the transatlantic alliance. They were speaking during a three-day farewell visit by Mr Obama to Ms Merkel, which on Friday will include an informal summit with the government heads of the UK, France, Spain and Italy.