Merkel says wants good economic ties with Ukraine and Russia

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses a Ukrainian-German economic conference in Berlin, Germany, October 23, 2015. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a European Union free trade agreement with Ukraine is not directed against Russia and that Berlin wants good economic ties with both Ukraine and Russia.

The European Union free-trade pact will come into force at the start of next year despite efforts by Russia to delay the deal.