Who is Gerhard Schroeder, Putin’s pick for Ukraine peace talks mediation?
Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could help coordinate peace talks between Russia and the European Union to resolve the war in Ukraine. Schroeder, who has close ties with Putin, has been a controversial figure in Germany due to his long-standing relationship with Russia and criticism over the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Key Facts
- Putin proposed Gerhard Schroeder as a mediator for peace talks involving the EU and Russia over Ukraine.
- Schroeder was Germany’s chancellor from 1998 to 2005 and has maintained strong ties with Putin since then.
- Putin said the war in Ukraine might be “coming to an end” and expressed readiness to meet Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy after peace terms are agreed.
- Schroeder worked in Russian energy projects after leaving office, including roles in Nord Stream pipelines and on the board of Rosneft (resigned in 2022).
- Schroeder has faced criticism in Germany for not condemning Russia’s 2022 invasion and lost state privileges usually given to former chancellors.
- Putin has praised Schroeder and sees him as a trustworthy figure for negotiating with Europe.
- European Union officials have shown skepticism about Schroeder’s role in peace talks.
- The war’s ceasefires around Victory Day (May 8-9) were short and both sides accused each other of violating them.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.