German Defence Minister warns USA over stance on EU cohesion

She says Russia-US approach bad for NATO

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen expressed her clear discontent over US President Donald Trump’s initiative to come closer with Russia, as well as his pro-Brexit stance and his statements against the EU. Speaking at the Munich Security Council, Mrs. Leyen adopted a strict tone claiming the US President’s move was a “blow” against the European Union’s cohesion. “Our American friends know that their tone on Europe and NATO has direct repercussion on the cohesion of our union. A stable Europe and a united NATO are in the interest of the USA”, she said. Referring to Russia and the approach bewteen Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the German Minister said there it was wrong to cultivate ties with a country that poses a threat to NATO.