Russia Putin brings up former Chancellor Schröder as mediator
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has brought former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, a long-time friend of his, into play as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
10.05.2026, 03:22
10.05.2026, 12:08
SDA
Although the USA had tried to mediate, Putin said at an extraordinary press conference in the evening after the victory parade to mark the end of the Second World War in Moscow that he could imagine the former SPD leader acting as a mediator on the European side. "Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder."
Putin's comments were met with clear skepticism in the German government. Government circles in Berlin said that the statements had been noted. They are part of a series of sham offers and are part of Russia's well-known hybrid strategy. "Germany and Europe will not allow themselves to be divided by this," it continued.
Russia had not changed its conditions. That is why the negotiation option is not credible. "A first test of credibility would be for Russia to extend the ceasefire." Both sides had agreed on a ceasefire until Monday (11 May) under the mediation of US President Donald Trump.
"Europe must be at the table"
Europe and the USA have well-established negotiating teams, according to government circles. Together with the E3 group - Germany, France and the UK - Ukraine is always available for talks. "Europe must be at the table. But the conditions have to be right."
Negotiations between Kiev and Moscow on an end to the Russian war of aggression have so far been mediated by the USA; the Europeans have not been at the table - partly because the Kremlin has rejected this.
When asked by the German Press Agency, the former Chancellor's office said that Schröder would not comment on this issue. Putin had also said that someone was needed as a mediator who had not yet attracted attention with nastiness towards Russia.
Putin emphasized that a peaceful solution to the conflict was a matter for Ukraine and Russia. "But if anyone wants to help, we would be grateful." He also said that he believed the war was coming to an end. The Russian president ordered the large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 - and has not yet achieved his war aims.
Schröder is against isolating Russia
The now 82-year-old Social Democrat Schröder, who was Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has been criticized for years for his friendship with Putin and activities for Russian oil and gas companies - even within his own party.
Most recently, he described Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine as illegal under international law in a guest article for the Berliner Zeitung at the end of January, adding: "But I am also against the demonization of Russia as an eternal enemy." Schröder also pleaded for the resumption of energy supplies from Russia.
After leaving politics, Schröder worked for Russian energy companies for many years, including as President of the Board of Directors of Nord Stream 2 AG, a subsidiary of the Russian energy company Gazprom.
The pipeline was completed at the end of 2021, but did not go into operation due to the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022 - the German government under then Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) refused the operating permit.
Putin ready for direct talks with Zelensky - in Moscow
At the press conference, Putin once again made it clear that he was also prepared to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Anyone who wants to meet with me must come to Moscow," Putin said, however. A meeting at another location is also possible, "but only if a long-term peace agreement has been reached beforehand". Zelensky ruled out a trip to Moscow.
Victory parade goes off without a hitch
In view of a three-day ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, Putin was able to hold his military parade on Saturday without any disruptions. The feared drone attacks from the Ukrainian side failed to materialize. In his speech in front of thousands of soldiers and several international guests, Putin expressed his confidence that Russia's army would win the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Russia traditionally celebrates the day of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Due to the tense security situation - and possibly also due to the reduced arsenal as a result of the war - there was not the usual weapons display with tanks, missiles and other military technology this time.
Even in the fifth year of the invasion, it is still not clear how Putin intends to achieve his war aims in Ukraine. The slimmed-down military parade is seen as a reflection of the situation in his war. The Russian troops are under increasing pressure from the resistance of Ukraine, which is supported by the West.
Both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations
Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, which lasts until May 11. The Russian Ministry of Defense accused the Ukrainian armed forces of attacking Russian positions and civilian objects with drones and artillery. The Ukrainian General Staff also complained of Russian attacks after the ceasefire began, particularly in the embattled regions of Donbass.
The information provided by the warring parties cannot be independently verified. In all previous ceasefires, Kiev and Moscow have repeatedly accused each other of mass violations.
According to information from Kiev, both the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces are using the current ceasefire to bring in reinforcements and rotate their troops. In addition, the enemy is also bringing new weapons and ammunition to the front lines, Ukrainian army press spokesman Viktor Trehubov said on television. Similar things are also happening on the Ukrainian side.
The situation at the front is currently calm, said Trehubov. Although there is still some fighting, it is much less intense. There had been "a kind of day of rest".
Fico defends participation in World War II commemoration in Moscow
Meanwhile, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico defended his participation in the World War II commemoration in Moscow, which was criticized by other EU countries, and called for renewed European cooperation with Russia. "I reject a new Iron Curtain between the EU and Russia," said the left-wing nationalist in a Facebook video on his flight back to Bratislava from Moscow. He and his government were "interested in normal, friendly and mutually beneficial relations" with the great power Russia as well as with all other countries that are interested in this.
Fico was the only guest from the European Union to be received in the Kremlin on World War II Remembrance Day. Putin assured him that Russia would do everything in its power to meet Slovakia's energy needs.
