Germany dismisses Putin's plan, rules out Schröder as EU-Russia mediator
Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Germany rejected a suggestion made by Russian President Vladimir Putin that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could serve as a mediator in talks between the EU and Russia aimed at reaching a peace agreement on Ukraine, Reuters reports.
A German official told the outlet that the proposal lacks credibility because Russia has not changed any of its conditions.
According to the official, the first real test will be whether Moscow is prepared to extend the three-day ceasefire agreed for May 9–11.
The official also said that Putin has made a number of misleading proposals intended to divide the Western alliance.
What else matters
Notably, after leaving office as German chancellor in 2005, Gerhard Schröder almost immediately took a position with the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline consortium. He has also faced strong criticism in Germany over his close ties to Putin.
Reuters reported that on Friday, a German government spokesperson stressed another key point. According to the spokesperson, Berlin sees no signs that Moscow is interested in serious negotiations, emphasizing that any talks with the EU must be closely coordinated with member states and Ukraine.
Background
Recently, European Council President António Costa said he believes the EU has the potential to negotiate with Russia and discuss the European future security framework.
He also said the EU is considering establishing direct contact with Russia to negotiate and avoid being sidelined from the peace process currently led by the United States.
Amid this, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin made several statements yesterday. He said former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder would be the best negotiator for dialogue between Russia and the European Union.
