Germany's Merkel says EU should seek direct contact with Putin

FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel wears her protective face mask after delivering a government declaration on the upcoming European Council meeting at the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, June 24, 2021. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi

BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union must seek to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try and improve relations, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

"In my opinion, we as the European Union must also seek direct contact with Russia and the Russian president," Merkel said in what was expected to be her last speech to the Bundestag lower house of parliament.