Berlin Sceptical as Putin Floats Ex-German Leader as Ukraine Mediator

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a potential mediator in the Ukraine war, triggering scepticism in Berlin. German officials and politicians question his suitability due to longstanding Kremlin ties and refusal to condemn the invasion. While some argue Europe should consider any diplomatic opening, others insist that any mediator must first be acceptable to Ukraine. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder attends an ecumenical service on occasion of the celebration of the German reunification in the St Michaelis church in Hamburg, Germany, on October 3, 2023. (Photo by Gregor Fischer / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed longtime ally and friend, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator in the Ukraine war -- an idea that has been met with scepticism in Berlin. Asked on Saturday who he would like to help restart talks with Europe, Putin said he would “personally” prefer Schroeder, who led Germany from 1998 to 2005. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Schroeder, 82, has remained close to the Kremlin leader long after leaving office, standing apart from most Western leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. German officials reacted cautiously, saying they had “taken note” of Putin’s comments but viewed them as part of “a series of bogus offers” from Russia, government sources told AFP Sunday. One source said a real test of Moscow’s intentions would be to extend the current three-day truce. Schroeder’s stance has made him a controversial figure at home. He has never publicly condemned the invasion of Ukraine, costing him several privileges normally granted to former chancellors. He previously held key roles in Russian energy projects, including work on the Nord Stream gas pipelines and a seat on the board of Russian oil firm Rosneft, which he gave up in 2022. Some German politicians from Schroeder’s own SPD party -- a junior partner in Germany’s coalition government -- say this makes him unsuitable for any mediator role. Michael Roth, former SPD lawmaker and chair of the foreign affairs committee, said a mediator “cannot be Putin’s buddy”, in an interview with Tagesspiegel. Other Topics of Interest Fico Reveals Putin’s Response to Zelensky’s Offer for Peace Talks Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, returning from Victory Day commemorations in Moscow, stated that Vladimir Putin expects President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate direct contact via telephone if he is interested in negotiations. Fico relayed a message from a recent meeting in Armenia where Zelensky expressed readiness to meet the Russian leader in any format. He stressed that any mediator must above all be accepted by Ukraine. “Neither Moscow nor we can decide that on Kyiv’s behalf.” Others within the party, however, have been more open to Putin’s suggestion. Quoted by Der Spiegel, the SPD’s foreign affairs spokesman in parliament, Adis Ahmetovic, said the proposal needs to be “carefully considered” with European partners. SPD lawmaker Ralf Stegner argued, in the same magazine, that “if we don’t want Putin and (US President Donald) Trump to decide Ukraine’s future” alone, Europe should seize every possible chance -- however small. “We should turn to the former chancellor. What do we have to lose?” said Fabio De Masi, leader of the pro‑Russia left‑wing BSW party, speaking to AFP on Sunday. Others remain unconvinced, with Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann of the liberal FDP warning there were “serious doubts” that the ex-chancellor was the right choice as a go-between.