The US urges Germany to 'deter Russia'.
Germany should increase its defense spending, as NATO is a crucial tool for deterring Russia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an interview with BILD.
"The hardest decision rests with the German people. The German government has promised to allocate 2% (of GDP) to defense spending, and everyone should demand that the government keep its promise. NATO is an extremely important tool in deterring Russia. With its capabilities and strength, Germany should understand that it needs to deliver something, at least what it has promised," Pompeo, who visited Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, stated.
Earlier, following his meeting with Pompeo, Maas stated that Germany and the United States are interested in good relations with Russia and are in working dialogue to resolve international conflicts.
"We hope that Germany will do more. The German government understands the threat of the missile program and aggression in the region (from Iran). These risks are real," Pompeo added, saying, "liberal democracies must protect this world from these threats, and I have confidence in Germany, which will join as a partner."