The German government reacted skeptically to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements about a possible end to the war in Ukraine and the role of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator. According to sources from Berlin, this is another step in Russia’s hybrid strategy, which aims to weaken the unity of Europe. “However, Germany and Europe will not allow such actions to divide them,” unnamed sources told DPA.
- The German government considers Putin’s offer to end the war unreliable.
- Berlin sees the use of Gerhard Schröder as a mediator as a Russian hybrid tactic.
- Germany emphasizes the unity of Europe and the necessity of its direct participation in the negotiations.
- Putin says the war in Ukraine is coming to an end and welcomes mediation.
- Zelensky rejects negotiations in Moscow and insists on a long-term peace agreement.
At the same time, the sources questioned the credibility of the Russian offer for negotiations, since, according to them, Moscow did not change its conditions. According to them, as a first step to demonstrate seriousness, Russia should extend the current ceasefire, which was agreed upon for the period from May 9 to 11 with the mediation of US President Donald Trump.
Hybrid strategy of Russia
According to German sources, the European and American negotiating teams are well coordinated and ready for dialogue if the right conditions are created. According to them, Ukraine, together with the E3 countries – Germany, France and the United Kingdom – is always ready for negotiations. “Europe must be at the negotiating table,” the sources emphasized.
In his statements, Putin indicated that he would prefer Gerhard Schröder as a mediator on the European side. Schröder, who was German chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has long been criticized for his close ties to Putin and involvement in Russian energy companies. However, his office refused to comment on the current statements of the Russian president.
Schröder’s controversial role
At a press conference after the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Putin declared that, according to him, the war in Ukraine is coming to an end. At the same time, he emphasized that a peaceful solution to the conflict must be found by Ukraine and Russia themselves, while he welcomed any help from third countries. “If anyone wants to help, we would be grateful,” he added.
The Russian president also expressed his willingness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but with the condition that the meeting would have to take place in Moscow. However, Zelensky rejected this possibility and insists that any negotiations must be based on a long-term peace agreement.
Conditions for dialogue
Schröder, who at the beginning of the year called the Russian invasion a violation of international law, also called for the resumption of Russian energy imports into Europe. But his stance on Russia and his role in Russian energy companies remain the subject of sharp criticism, further complicating his potential role as a mediator in the conflict.
