Germany sceptical of Putin's idea to make former chancellor Schröder EU negotiator on Russia talks

Mariya Yemets, KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO - 10 May, 17:06

Putin and Schröder in 2018. Photo: Getty Images

The German government is questioning the seriousness of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's idea that former chancellor Gerhard Schröder could be appointed as an EU negotiator on Russia's war against Ukraine.

Source: German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, citing sources in government circles, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Anonymous sources say the German government has received Putin's proposal regarding Schröder's appointment as EU negotiator in the peace process with scepticism and criticism.

According to the sources, Berlin considers this "another feigned proposal within Russia's well-known hybrid strategy" and says Germany and Europe must not allow it to sow division.

The Russian proposal is not considered serious, as Moscow has not changed its demands, and a first step towards demonstrating genuine intent would be for Russia to extend its "ceasefire".

Meanwhile, within one of Germany's governing parties, the Social Democratic Party, individual voices are calling for Putin's proposal to have Schröder serve as a negotiator to be seriously considered. However, some party representatives have reacted critically.

Background:

On 9 May, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said he considers Schröder the best candidate for the role of negotiator between the EU and Russia.
Schröder's office noted that he does not wish to comment on the matter.
Schröder, 82, served as chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005 and led the SPD from 1999 to 2004. After leaving office, he worked for years in Russian energy companies and is still regarded as a close associate of Putin.
Following the start of the full-scale war, he did not distance himself from the Kremlin. Schröder met Putin in Moscow several weeks after the invasion began and again in July 2022. After each meeting, he claimed that Russia was interested in ending the war.
Against this backdrop, members of the SPD have repeatedly but unsuccessfully raised the issue of expelling Schröder from the party.

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