Obama urges Trump against realpolitik in relations with Russia

“I’ve sought a constructive relationship with Russia but what I have also been is realistic in recognising there are some significant differences in how Russia views the world and how we view the world,” Obama said at a press conference with the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin.

While not expecting Trump to “follow exactly our blueprint or our approach”, Obama said he was hopeful that his successor would pursue constructive policies that defend democratic values and the rule of law.

Barack Obama met Angela Merkel in Berlin to discuss sanctions on Russia, the fight against Islamic State and EU-US trade. (Photo: Reuters)

Follow along for the latest updates from the day in politics as Trump’s transition team continues and Obama visits German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Trump, he said, should not “simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest … we just cut some deals with Russia – even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria”.

Asked about Trump’s behaviour during the week following the election, Obama said the role itself would make him a fit president.

“What makes me cautiously optimistic about my successor and the shift from campaign to governance is there is something about the solemn responsibilities of that office, the extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States not just by its own people but by people around the world, that forces you to focus,” Obama said.

“That demands seriousness. And if you’re not serious about the job, then you probably won’t be there very long.”

Meeting for the final time as peers, Obama and Merkel had a series of bilateral meetings, which involved talks about Russian sanctions, the fight against Islamic State, and the future of the EU-US trade agreement in the aftermath of Trump’s election victory.

Merkel, who has been one of the drivers behind the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), came closer than ever to admitting that negotiations over the deal had stalled, saying she was “sure that we will one day come back” to talks about the agreement. TTIP was already in doubt following Trump’s election success and protests across Europe.