Putin Proposes Former German Chancellor Schroeder as Ukraine Mediator, Met with Skepticism in Berlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a mediator in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Schroeder, who served as Germany's chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has maintained a close relationship with Putin, even after leaving office. This proposal has been met with skepticism in Berlin, where officials have expressed doubts about Schroeder's suitability for the role. Schroeder has not publicly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to criticism and the loss of certain privileges typically afforded to former chancellors. His past involvement with Russian energy projects, such as the Nord Stream gas pipelines and a position on the board of Russian oil firm Rosneft, further complicates his potential role as a neutral mediator. 
