Putin Suggests Former German Chancellor Schroeder as Mediator in EU-Russia Dialogue, Germany Expresses Skepticism
Russian President Vladimir Putin has identified former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred mediator in negotiations with Europe concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the proposal has been met with skepticism and rejection in Germany and the broader European Union, raising doubts about the credibility and impartiality of the proposed negotiator.
Background and Context
Schroeder, an 82-year-old social democrat who served as Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, is a well-known supporter of the Russian president. During his tenure, he was the architect of the controversial Russian-German gas pipeline Nordstream and has since been described as a lobbyist for Russian companies. Putin has expressed his belief that the conflict in Ukraine is coming to an end and that Schroeder would be his preferred negotiator in the ensuing peace talks.
Key Developments
According to La Repubblica, Putin's proposal comes as he announced his belief that the war is nearing its end. However, Schroeder's potential role as a mediator has been met with incredulity in Germany. A German official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, dismissed the proposal as not credible given Russia's unchanged conditions for ending the war.
Corriere della Sera reported that Schroeder has described the attack in Moscow on Ukraine as an error
but stressed that the massacres in Bucha need to be investigated
before assigning responsibility.
Implications and Reactions
The proposal has prompted discussion and debate among the German coalition and the European Union. TASS reported a German politician considering Putin's proposal as a significant gesture
that could revive German-Russian relations. However, Estonia's Prime Minister Kallas stated firmly that Moscow does not have the right to name the negotiator.
Germany's SPD signaled a readiness to discuss Schroeder's mediation, but Schroeder himself has thus far refrained from making any statements regarding his readiness to mediate the talks.
The EU foreign ministers expect to adopt new sanctions against Russia on May 11, with ANSA reporting that Schroeder’s candidacy as a negotiator with Russia has been ruled out.
Current Status
Despite Putin's endorsement and some support within Germany, Schroeder's potential role as a mediator in the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine remains uncertain. Critics argue that his close ties to Russia make him an unsuitable choice, echoing concerns about his partiality given his longstanding relationship with Putin and his past lobbying for Russian companies. As the war in Ukraine continues, the search for a credible and impartial mediator remains a key point of discussion.