Various representatives from EU states see Gerhard Schröder as unsuitable as a mediator between Europe and Russia in the Ukraine war.Image: DPA
May 11, 2026, 2:14 p.mMay 11, 2026, 2:14 p.m
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to involve Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in Ukraine peace negotiations is met with clear rejection in the EU and Ukraine.
“If we gave Russia the right to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, that would not be very wise,” said EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. Schröder was a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. It is therefore clear why Putin wants him: “Then he would be sitting on both sides of the table, so to speak,” she said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, who traveled to the EU meeting as a guest, said of Schröder’s possible use of mediation: “We do not support that.” There are “many other worthy leaders” who could negotiate for the EU.
Former Chancellor is considered a friend of Putin
Other participants in the meeting were similarly critical. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said that, in her view, a person or a team must be nominated for possible negotiations with Russia. However, the selection decision will be made by the EU and not Russia.
Friendship – Putin and Schröder have gotten along well for a long time.Image: ITAR-TASS/imago images
Her Swedish colleague Maria Malmer Stenergard classified Putin’s move as a diversionary tactic. Putin hasn’t really been interested in peace talks so far, she said. What is needed are further sanctions to increase the pressure on Russia.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: “Gerhard Schröder is Putin’s idea. (…) Gerhard Schröder will not represent Europe.” For this we have the European institutions and representatives such as Kallas, Council President António Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
No support from the German government
European Minister of State Gunther Krichbaum, who traveled to Brussels on behalf of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, also expressed his opposition. “As you know, a mediator has to be accepted by both sides,” said the politician.
Former Chancellor Schröder “certainly allowed himself to be very taken over by Mr. Putin” in the past. He did not necessarily act in this way in order to be able to act as a neutral mediator. “Close friendships may be legitimate everywhere in this world, but they do not help you to be perceived as a fair mediator.”
At a press conference after the victory parade at the end of the Second World War in Moscow, Kremlin boss Putin had brought up former Chancellor Schröder as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Although the USA had tried to mediate, Putin said that on the European side he could imagine the former head of the German Social Democrats as a mediator. “Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder.” (nil/sda/dpa)