Gerhard Schroeder named as potential mediator in Ukraine peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a potential mediator in talks with the European Union to secure a peace deal in Ukraine.

According to Putin, he would prefer Schroeder to coordinate discussions with the EU due to their close relationship. However, EU officials have expressed skepticism about this proposal.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that there is “potential” for negotiations between Russia and the EU to discuss Europe’s security architecture. When asked who he would like to see restart talks with Europe, Putin mentioned Schroeder.

In a recent statement, Putin suggested that the four-year-old war in Ukraine may be coming to an end. He expressed willingness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow or a neutral country, but only after the terms of a peace agreement have been settled.

Russia had previously announced a unilateral two-day ceasefire on May 8-9 to mark Victory Day, while Zelenskyy proposed a pause in fighting starting earlier. The US has also announced a three-day pause in the conflict, but both sides have accused each other of breaking it.

Gerhard Schroeder is an 82-year-old former German Chancellor who served from 1998 to 2005. During his tenure, he focused on European integration and reducing unemployment. After leaving office, Schroeder took a job as chairman of a German-Russian consortium building a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea. He has maintained close ties with Putin since leaving office.

Schroeder’s relationship with Putin dates back to the 1980s when Putin worked as a KGB spy in East Germany. The two have spoken publicly about their friendship, with Schroeder stating that having a common language is essential for a successful friendship.

The US and Russia-backed peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow have stalled, leaving the search for a trustworthy mediator ongoing.

Source: Al Jazeera