"It was paid for by the Russians" - EU rejects Putin's proposal for former German Chancellor Schröder to mediate in Ukraine talks

2026-05-11 19:48:15Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The European Union has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to include former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine.

The statement was made by the EU's high representative for foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, who stressed in Brussels that Schröder cannot be considered an impartial mediator due to his previous ties to Russian state-owned companies.

According to Kallas, the idea of ??Russia proposing a representative on behalf of Europe is unacceptable and does not guarantee a credible negotiation process.

She added that Schröder has been closely linked to Russian energy companies, which she said makes his role as an "independent mediator" impossible.

The former German chancellor has previously held positions in Russian companies, including strategic energy projects, while not openly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's proposal was made in the context of discussions on resuming peace negotiations, but was met with skepticism by European countries, which have stressed that any process must include Ukraine and not bypass the EU.

Other European officials, including representatives from Estonia and Germany, have considered Schröder a figure closely linked to Moscow and unsuitable for a mediation role.

Meanwhile, tensions on the ground continue, while diplomatic efforts for a resolution to the conflict remain blocked and without visible progress.


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