Berlin sceptical as Putin moots ex-chancellor as mediator on Ukraine

The German government responded with considerable scepticism to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments on a possible end to his war on Ukraine and potential mediation by former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

Government sources in Berlin said on Sunday they had taken note of the comments, calling these part of a series of token offers that are part of Russia’s well-known hybrid strategy. “But Germany and Europe will not allow themselves to be divided by this,” they added. Russia has not changed its conditions, so the option of negotiations was not credible, the sources said. “A first test of credibility would be for Russia to extend the ceasefire.”

Both sides had agreed to a ceasefire until Monday, May 11, under the mediation of US President Donald Trump.

'Europe must be at the table'

Europe and the US have well-coordinated negotiating teams, the German government sources said. Ukraine, together with the E3 group – comprising Germany, France and the UK – is always available for talks. “Europe must be at the table. But the conditions must be right for that.”

The comments came after Putin said that while Washington had tried to mediate, he could imagine the former German leader acting as a mediator on the European side. “Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder.” 

Putin also said he thought the war was drawing to a close, as he addressed an extraordinary press conference following Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on Saturday. 

The Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but has yet to achieve its goals. 

In response to a question from dpa, Schröder's office said there would be no comment from the former chancellor, who has been widely criticized for continuing his links with Putin.

Putin emphasized that a peaceful solution to the long-running conflict was for Ukraine and Russia to find. "But if someone would like to help, we would be grateful," he said.

Schröder, 82, a centre-left politician who served as German chancellor between 1998 and 2005, has been a controversial figure for years because of his friendship with Putin and his role in Russian energy concerns.

In a newspaper editorial earlier this year, Schröder described the Russian invasion as contrary to international law, though he said, "I'm also against demonizing Russia as the eternal enemy." He backed restarting imports of Russian energy.

Schröder took up a significant role in Russian energy companies directly after leaving German politics.

At the press conference, Putin said he was prepared to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but added: "Whoever wants to meet me must come to Moscow."

A meeting at another location would have to be preceded by a long-term peace agreement. Zelensky has ruled out travelling to Moscow.