Politics EU against former Chancellor Schröder as Ukraine mediator
Russia's President Vladimir Putin's proposal to involve former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in peace negotiations in Ukraine has met with clear rejection in the EU and Ukraine.
11.05.2026, 12:43
SDA
"If we were to give Russia the right to appoint a negotiator in our name, that would not be very wise," said EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. Schröder had been a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. It was therefore clear why Putin wanted him: "Then he would be sitting on both sides of the table, so to speak," she said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who attended the EU meeting as a guest, said the following about a possible mediation mission by Schröder: "We do not support this." There are "many other worthy leaders" who could negotiate for the EU.
Former chancellor is considered a friend of Putin
Other participants at the meeting were similarly critical. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said that, in her view, a person or a team should be nominated for possible negotiations with Russia. However, the selection decision would be made by the EU and not Russia.
Her Swedish colleague Maria Malmer Stenergard classified Putin's move as a diversionary tactic. Putin has not really been interested in peace talks so far, she said. What was needed were 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." The European institutions and representatives such as Kallas, Council President António Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are available for this.
No support from the German government
Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for Europe, who had traveled to Brussels on behalf of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, also expressed his opposition. "As you know, a mediator must be accepted by both sides," said the politician.
Former Chancellor Schröder had "certainly allowed himself to be taken in by Mr. Putin" in the past. He had not necessarily acted in such a 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 contribute to being perceived as a fair mediator."
At a press conference after the victory parade to mark the end of the Second World War in Moscow, Kremlin leader Putin brought former Chancellor Schröder into play as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Although the USA had tried to mediate, Putin said that he could imagine the former leader of the German Social Democrats as a mediator from the European side. "Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder."
