Statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder are being viewed in Germany as part of a broader Russian influence operation targeting the West. At the same time, Berlin said it could consider the idea, but only under one condition, The Telegraph reports.
The former chancellor could potentially be appointed as a representative for talks with Moscow after Berlin initially rejected the Kremlin’s proposal.
Berlin is reportedly open to Schröder participating in negotiations, but only if he works alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The appointment of Schröder by the Russian autocrat came after the EU expressed interest in direct talks with the Kremlin, but has so far seen no signs that Moscow is genuinely prepared to negotiate, the report stated.
“Fake proposal” from Kremlin: Germany calls it part of Russia’s hybrid strategy
German officials initially dismissed the idea. One of the sources said that "we have taken note of the statement," before describing it as “one of a series of sham offers” from the Kremlin.
“This is part of Russia’s well-known hybrid strategy. However, Germany and Europe will not allow themselves to be divided,” the source stressed.
The report emphasized that Berlin has made clear it would consider direct negotiations only if Moscow demonstrates a willingness to move away from its “red lines” on ending the war.
Berlin is already discussing possible negotiation format
Rumors emerged yesterday that officials within the German government have been discussing whether Schröder should be sent as one of two negotiators alongside Steinmeier.
Several influential politicians in Berlin reportedly welcomed the idea of involving the controversial former chancellor as an intermediary.
On 11 May, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking to reporters in Brussels, rejected Vladimir Putin’s proposal to install former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as Europe’s negotiator with Moscow. Schröder, she said, had been “a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state companies."
