Putin says he is ready to talk with Germany's Merz

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony to present the Hero of Labour medals and highest state awards on Russia Day at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 12, 2025. Sputnik/Alexander Scherbak/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he was ready to talk with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but he doubted that Germany could be an intermediary in talks with Ukraine.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)