“We grew up with a certain knowledge that the United States wants to be a world power. If the United States now wants to stop playing this role of its own free will, we would need to seriously think about it, ”said the German Chancellor.

At the same time, Merkel expressed hope for continued cooperation with the United States and NATO in the field of defense. 

“Look at the world, at China or India. There is good reason to remain committed to the transatlantic defense community and our common nuclear umbrella, ”she said.

Earlier, Bloomberg wrote that Germany is preparing measures in case of new US sanctions regarding the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

The Politico newspaper, citing a senior US administration official, said that Merkel and US President Donald Trump did not agree on Nord Stream 2 issues over the telephone.