The German government has rejected Putin’s proposal for Schröder to act as a mediator
The German government has reacted negatively to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to involve former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in the negotiation process between Russia and the European Union, reports DW.
In statements made on 10 May in government circles in Berlin, this initiative by the Kremlin was described as yet another “feigned proposal” and part of Russia’s well-known hybrid strategy.
Officials in Berlin emphasised that they had taken Putin’s statements into account, but did not consider such a scenario realistic, as Russia had not changed its conditions.
“The first test of its credibility would be Russia extending the ceasefire,” government sources said.
At the same time, within the Social Democratic Party of Germany, of which Schröder is a member, there were calls not to reject the proposal outright.
Adis Ahmetović, the SPD parliamentary group’s spokesperson on foreign affairs in the Bundestag, stated that every proposal must be scrutinised for credibility.
“We cannot allow the fate of Ukraine and European security to be decided solely by the US and Russia. Our goal must be a seat at the negotiating table,” said Ahmetovic.
He added that if one of the conditions for Europe’s participation in the negotiations is the involvement of the former German chancellor, this option should be considered in coordination with European partners.
Ahmetovich also stated that a sustained ceasefire for both sides could serve as a confidence-building measure.
A similar position was expressed by SPD representative Ralf Stegner.
“I welcome any initiative that could bring an end to the war,” he said.
According to Stegner, Europe has not yet participated in the negotiations and has been unable to propose its own solutions.
In contrast, the leadership of the opposition party Alliance 90/The Greens categorically rejected the Kremlin’s initiative.
The leader of the Green Party parliamentary group, Britta Hasselmann, stated that Putin himself bears responsibility for the war against Ukraine and can end it immediately.
In her words, the proposal for Schröder to act as a mediator is “absurd” and must be firmly rejected.
The day before, Vladimir Putin stated that he considers Gerhard Schröder the most suitable candidate for the role of mediator between Russia and the European Union.
In the Russian president’s view, the former chancellor’s experience and standing could be helpful in discussing security issues.
Gerhard Schröder has been repeatedly criticised in Germany for his long-standing ties to the Russian energy sector and his personal relationship with Vladimir Putin.
