The German federal government has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to appoint former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) as a mediator in the war in Ukraine. Government sources stated on Sunday to the n-tv channel that this initiative was part of a series of “fake offers” and was part of Russia’s well-known hybrid strategy. The negotiating option would not be credible, as Moscow has not changed its conditions. According to the government, a crucial test of credibility would be an extension of the ceasefire.
After the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin had said he would prefer discussions with Schröder “among all European politicians.” Europe should be present at the table during possible negotiations, Berlin added. However, conditions needed to be met. Schröder’s office indicated in response to a request from the German press agency dpa that Schröder would not comment on the matter.
The proposal was partially welcomed within the SPD. The spokesperson for foreign policy in the SPD parliamentary group, Adis Ahmetović, told the magazine “Spiegel” that every offer must be examined to determine “how reliable it is.” Europe should not accept that only the United States and Russia decide the future of Ukraine. SPD politician Ralf Stegner also expressed support for at least examining Putin’s proposal.
Criticism, however, came from former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth. The SPD official described this initiative in the “Tagesspiegel” as “an affront to the United States” and warned that a mediator “could not simply be Putin’s buddy.” The crucial point was whether Ukraine would accept such a role. FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann also expressed skepticism. BSW president Fabio De Masi, on the other hand, supported the idea, stating: “We should call on the former chancellor.”
