Obama Hopes Trump Will 'Stand Up' to Russia if Necessary

President Barack Obama hopes President-elect Donald Trump doesn't take a political approach to dealing with Russia.

"My principal approach to Russia has been constant since I came into office," Obama said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel today, calling Russia an important country and superpower.

"My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interests align, but [that] the president-elect is also willing to stand up to Russia when they are deviating from our international values and norms," he said.

Obama went on to say that he doesn't expect Trump to follow his administration's "blueprint exactly" but said he hopes Trump doesn't take a political approach to dealing with Russia on Syria. He also said he hopes Trump doesn't cut deals with Russia even if it "hurts people" and "violates international norms" simply because it is "convenient at the time."

Obama added that he is encouraged that Trump told him he is committed to NATO.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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