In Germany, they learned about the refusal of the authorities to involve Schroeder in negotiations with Russia

Germany has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempt to use former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine. This was reported on May 10 by the German radio station Deutschlandfunk.

"This proposal is part of a series of fictitious proposals and is part of Russia's well—known hybrid strategy, government circles said," the publication says.

According to the German side, the proposal is not credible, since Russia has not changed its terms. Putin invited Schroeder to re-engage the European side in negotiations, the radio station explained.

The ex-chancellor and the Russian president have long maintained friendly relations. Schroeder worked for Russian energy companies for many years, for which he was repeatedly criticized.

Schroeder led Germany from 1998-2005 and led the Social Democratic Party from 1999 to 2004. After the start of the special operation in 2022, he met with Putin twice in Moscow and declared Russia's interest in ending the conflict, she noted.Газета.Ru ".

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On May 9, Putin named Schroeder as Europe's preferred negotiator for contacts with Moscow. Glenn Diesen, a professor at the University of Southeastern Norway, added on May 7 that attitudes towards establishing a diplomatic dialogue with the Russian side may change in Europe.

The German newspaper Berliner Zeitung reported on April 27 that Berlin should strive to start a dialogue with Russia, in particular with its president. The Russian leader, in turn, on the same day pointed out Moscow's desire for dialogue with constructive political forces in the world.