Kallas Rejects Schröder as Mediator in Kremlin Talks
Political
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has issued a sharp critique of the proposal to involve Gerhard Schröder in future negotiations with Russia. After Vladimir Putin labeled the former German Chancellor a "preferred mediator," Brussels was quick to point out a blatant conflict of interest: a politician who spent years lobbying for the Russian state sector cannot represent European interests.
The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, officially rejected the candidacy of Gerhard Schröder as a potential representative for Europe in negotiations with Moscow. Speaking in Brussels, she emphasized that allowing Russia to choose a negotiator on behalf of the European Union would be "unwise." According to Kallas, due to his years of service within "Rosneft" structures and his personal friendship with Vladimir Putin, Schröder would effectively be "sitting on both sides of the table."
The initiative to nominate Schröder came from the Russian President, who on May 9 called him one of the few "sane politicians" remaining in Europe. However, this proposal found no support in Germany or within EU institutions. Schröder, who served as Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, only resigned from Russian state-owned companies in 2022 following intense public backlash. Brussels is making its position clear: a mediator must be a figure trusted by all member states, not a lobbyist for Kremlin interests.
The initiative to nominate Schröder came from the Russian President, who on May 9 called him one of the few "sane politicians" remaining in Europe. However, this proposal found no support in Germany or within EU institutions. Schröder, who served as Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, only resigned from Russian state-owned companies in 2022 following intense public backlash. Brussels is making its position clear: a mediator must be a figure trusted by all member states, not a lobbyist for Kremlin interests.
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