BERLIN, May 10 – German leadership on Sunday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to have former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder serve as a mediator for potential European Union peace negotiations regarding Ukraine.
The suggestion came after European Council President Antonio Costa recently indicated he saw “potential” for EU discussions with Russia about negotiating peace and addressing Europe’s future security framework. Putin responded by naming Schroeder as his preferred intermediary for such discussions.
However, a German official told Reuters the proposal lacked credibility since Russia hasn’t modified any of its existing demands. The official, speaking anonymously, noted that Moscow’s willingness to extend a three-day ceasefire would serve as an initial measure of their genuine interest in negotiations.
The same official characterized Putin’s suggestion as part of a pattern of false proposals designed to create divisions within the Western alliance.
Schroeder’s relationship with Russia has drawn significant controversy in Germany. Following his departure from the chancellorship in 2005, he immediately accepted a position leading a German-Russian gas pipeline consortium, leading to widespread criticism over his ties to Putin.
A German government representative stated Friday that Berlin has observed no indication that Moscow is genuinely interested in meaningful negotiations. The spokesperson emphasized that any potential EU discussions would require careful coordination with member nations and Ukraine.
