Gerhard Schroeder selected as mediator in Ukraine peace talks with Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could coordinate talks with the European Union to secure a peace deal in Ukraine. The proposal was met with skepticism by EU officials, who expressed concerns about Schroeder’s ties to Russia.

Schroeder, who led Germany from 1998 to 2005, has maintained close relationships with Putin since leaving office. In recent days, Putin stated that he would prefer Schroeder to restart talks with Europe on Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged the potential for EU-Russia negotiations but did not specify whom he would like to see engage in talks.

Putin also mentioned that a four-year-old war may be coming to an end and expressed willingness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow or a neutral country. However, Putin emphasized that he would only meet Zelenskyy once the terms of a peace agreement had been settled.

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

Schroeder has a background as a politician who focused on European integration and reducing unemployment during his tenure as German Chancellor. After leaving office, he took on key roles in Russian energy projects, including work on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Despite facing criticism from Western leaders for his ties to Russia, Schroeder remains close to Putin.

In the past, Schroeder has expressed admiration for Putin’s leadership and described him as a “flawless democrat.” However, this stance has led to controversy in Germany, where he has faced criticism for not publicly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Source: Al Jazeera