Putin Proposes Gerhard Schröder as Possible EU Mediator on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible intermediary in future talks between Moscow and the European Union over the war in Ukraine, a suggestion that was met immediate skepticism in Germany and across Europe.

Speaking after Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Putin said he believed the conflict in Ukraine was “coming to an end” and signalled openness to discussing a new European security framework. Asked who he would prefer to negotiate with on the European side, the Russian leader named Schröder, who has long maintained close ties with the Kremlin.

Schröder, Germany’s chancellor between 1998 and 2005, has faced years of criticism in Europe over his relationship with Putin and his involvement in Russian energy projects following his departure from office. While he previously condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law, he has repeatedly opposed Moscow’s political isolation and criticised aspects of Western sanctions policy.

Berlin reacted cautiously to Putin’s remarks. German officials questioned whether Moscow was genuinely interested in serious negotiations and warned that Russia had previously used similar proposals to create divisions within Europe. A German government spokesperson stressed that any future talks with Moscow would need to be closely coordinated with both Ukraine and EU member states.

Putin’s comments come amid renewed diplomatic activity surrounding the war, including a temporary U.S.-brokered ceasefire and discussions within the European Union about whether the bloc should prepare for possible direct talks with Moscow if conditions allow.