'Definitely not Schröder': Ukraine ridicules Kremlin's negotiator proposal
Photo: Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected the Kremlin's idea of involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in negotiations. He also mocked Moscow's approach to selecting mediators.
"Definitely not Schröder"
When asked about possible negotiators from Europe, Sybiha responded:
"But definitely not Schröder. And just to get ahead of things, so the Russians stop suggesting others like Gérard Depardieu or Steven Seagal — I don't know, maybe they'll even drag Orbán in as a negotiator from their side," the minister said.
He did not name any official candidates, noting that the diplomatic process is still ongoing.
Sybiha explained that discussions are continuing over the format of representation. Possible options include a group of countries, a group of leaders, or some separate mechanism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to discuss the issue soon in various formats, including the I3 format.
The main requirement, Sybiha stressed, is speed and clearly defined tasks.
"This should not become a prolonged process," he said.
Sybiha also warned against individual contacts between European leaders and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"That should not happen. It is a weakness, it divides Europe. In fact, this is exactly what Putin is waiting for—individual leaders or representatives to start reaching out to him," Sybiha said.
In his view, Europe must speak with a single voice and has real leverage to do so through sanctions and frozen assets.
Sybiha also stressed that all parameters of Europe's role in the peace process will be determined together with Ukraine. Without Ukraine, he said, such a process is impossible.
Earlier, the Kremlin proposed involving Schröder, a longtime ally of Putin, as a mediator in potential negotiations.
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are reportedly planning to discuss candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia. According to the Financial Times, a new name has recently appeared on the list.
