Kallas rules out former German Chancellor Schröder as a mediator in Ukraine talks

Published on 11/05/2026 - 10:31 GMT+2

EU overseas argumentation main Kaja Kallas connected Monday rejected the anticipation of appointing erstwhile German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder arsenic the bloc’s negotiator successful imaginable bid talks connected Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin projected connected Saturday that Schröder enactment arsenic a European mediator successful aboriginal negotiations, claiming the struggle was “heading towards an end”. However, Kallas dismissed the proposition portion speaking to journalists up of an EU overseas affairs ministers’ gathering successful Brussels.

“First, if we springiness Russia the close to name a negotiator connected our behalf, that would not beryllium precise wise. Second, I deliberation Gerhard Schröder has efficaciously been a high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies,” Kallas said.

The EU overseas argumentation main added that Putin’s penchant for Schröder would mean “he would efficaciously beryllium sitting connected some sides of the table”.

Schröder has maintained adjacent ties with Putin since leaving office. He served connected the committee of Russian lipid elephantine Rosneft until 2022 and besides held roles with different Russian state-owned vigor firms, including Nord Stream AG and Gazprom.

Putin’s connection was besides rejected by Ukraine and received a mixed effect crossed Europe.

Speaking connected Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha was asked whether Kyiv supported Schröder arsenic a imaginable mediator. “No, we bash not,” helium replied.

Meanwhile, the overseas affairs spokesperson for Germany’s Social Democratic Party of Germany successful parliament, Adis Ahmetović, said the connection should beryllium “carefully considered” unneurotic with European partners, according to German outlet Der Spiegel.