Gerhard Schroeder Russia-EU mediator? Berlin: 'False offer from Moscow'
Scepticism in Germany over Putin's proposal regarding the former German Chancellor (and friend of the Kremlin leader)
Scepticism is strong in Berlin. "We have taken note of these statements", which "are part of a series of false offers" from Russia. German government sources told Afp this regarding the proposal by Vladimir Putin to appoint Germany's former chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator of a future negotiation between the EU and Russia for an end to the war in Ukraine.
The same sources explained that they see in the watermark "the well-known hybrid strategy" of the Kremlin. "A first credibility test would befor Russia to extend the truce," they added.
Schröder's office let it be known that there will be no comments from the 82-year-old former chancellor, a controversial figure due to his friendship with Putin. In an editorial in recent months, Schröder branded the Russian invasion of Ukraine as contrary to international law, adding, however, that "I am also contrary to demonising Russia as an eternal enemy".
The fragile Victory Day truce
Statements that come as on the ground the truce seems never really to have been realised. US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to his request for a ceasefire from Saturday to Monday on the occasion of Victory Day, the Russian celebration marking the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Ukraine reported that in the past 24 hours one person was killed and others were injured as a result of Russian drone and artillery attacks. While claiming that Russia has launched attacks, Ukrainian officialsrefrained from explicitly accusing Moscow of violating the US-brokered ceasefire that went into effect on Saturday.
