Gerhard Schröder’s office declined to comment Sunday after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would like the former German chancellor as a potential European mediator in peace talks to end the Ukraine war.
“Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder,” Putin told reporters on Saturday.
Speaking at the end of the Victory Day celebrations, the Russian leader also said he felt the four-year conflict with Ukraine was coming to an end.
In response to a question from the dpa news agency, Schröder’s office said it would not comment on the matter.
Schröder, 82, has been controversial since leaving politics over his close ties to Russia, his personal friendship with Putin and his role in Russian energy companies.
Schröder defends Russia on Ukraine
I am writing berlin newspaper newspaper in January, Schröder described the Russian invasion as contrary to international law.
“But I am also against portraying Russia as the eternal enemy,” he said, before urging Germany to resume Russian energy imports.
Putin’s comments come as Kiev and Moscow observe a three-day ceasefire in the conflict this weekend.
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on Friday after talks mediated by Washington.
financial Times EU leaders are quietly preparing for possible direct talks with both sides, citing growing frustration with US efforts, reports this week said.
European Council President Antonio Costa said Thursday that the EU is ready to negotiate separately with the warring parties “when the time is right.”
Edited by: Louis Olofse