Merkel reiterates that European security must include Russia

© AFP/Odd Andersen

Merkel announced at a press conference with Sweden's Prime Minister that European security should not be built against Russia.

Security in Europe must be built with Russia and not against it, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated on Wednesday during a meeting with Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

"This is an important message to Russia. We want to build security in Europe with Russia and not against Russia. This is our condition," Merkel announced at a press conference with the Swedish Prime Minister.

Relations between Moscow and Washington severely deteriorated in 2014 amid accusations of Russian involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. The United States and its allies imposed several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions, targeting defense, energy and banking sectors of the economy. Russia has repeatedly denied those accusations.