Berlin sceptical as Putin proposes Germany's ex-chancellor Schroeder as Ukraine mediator
Key takeaways
- Schroeder, 82, has remained close to the Kremlin leader long after leaving office, standing apart from most Western leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
- Issued on: 10/05/2026 - 16:03Modified: 10/05/2026 - 16:06
- By: FRANCE 24 Germany's former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder gives a press conference on October 25, 2002.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said he would "personally" prefer longtime ally and friend, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator in the Ukraine war – an idea that has been met with scepticism in Berlin. Schroeder, 82, has remained close to the Kremlin leader long after leaving office, standing apart from most Western leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Issued on: 10/05/2026 - 16:03Modified: 10/05/2026 - 16:06
By: FRANCE 24 Germany's former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder gives a press conference on October 25, 2002. © Gerard Cerles, AFP Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed longtime ally and friend, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator in the Ukraine war – an idea that has been met with scepticism in Berlin.