Merkel to hold talks with Putin as regards Ukraine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the European Union (EU) needs to talk to Russia concerning the case of Ukraine and its relationship with the EU to ensure that the EU's eastern neighbors don't face political pressure to choose between friendship with the West or Moscow. Merkel's comments in her weekly video message Saturday came after Ukraine's government said it was suspending plans to sign an agreement with the EU and focusing on restoring ties with Russia. Merkel acknowledged that Russia views such deals with the EU as being directed against Moscow but 'that is not the case.' She stressed that Russia is 'our strategic partner.' Merkel said she will discuss the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin at her next opportunity. The EU is holding a summit next week in Vilnius, Lithuania of its 'Eastern Partnership' with several eastern nations. Russian president accused the EU earlier Friday of extorting Ukraine to get it to engage in talks on a partnership accord which Kiev has froze.