Fico called the rejection of Schroeder's candidacy for the role of negotiator with the Russian Federation a mistake.

The rejection of the candidacy of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a representative of the European Union in negotiations with the Russian side is a mistake. This was announced on June 18 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

"It was a big mistake, and I will say this today at the European Council, to so decisively reject the name of former German Chancellor Schroeder as a possible negotiator, since a negotiator can only be someone who knows both sides, and you cannot propose a negotiator who will play only on one side," the prime minister said.The Minister during a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs.

He noted that this idea should be revisited and negotiations should begin.

Superfluous EU: Brussels is not ready to resume dialogue with Russia on Ukraine

The Russian Federation does not refuse to negotiate with Europe, but demands respect for the interests of the country.

Milorad Dodik, chairman of the Union of Independent Social Democrats party, said on June 13 that the European Union rejected the possibility of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's participation in negotiations with Russia. According to Dodik, Europe is at a disadvantage by abandoning relations with Russia and China. He believes that the leadership of European diplomacy should be focused on cooperation with major states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 4 that Schroeder was one of Germany's best statesmen. He also recalled the former chancellor's role in the implementation of major energy projects between Russia and Germany, such as the Nord Stream gas pipelines. So Schroeder wanted to provide German residents with reliable and cheap energy supplies, the Russian president explained.