Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has criticized the suggestion of appointing former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in potential negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine. Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on May 11, Kallas stated, “First of all, it would not be wise to allow Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf. Secondly, Gerhard Schröder has been a prominent lobbyist for Russian state companies, which explains why Putin would prefer him as a mediator; he would essentially be sitting on both sides of the negotiation table.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who also attended the meeting, echoed Kallas’s sentiments, asserting, “We do not support this candidacy. There are many worthy leaders in Europe.”
These remarks followed comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 9, in which he described Schröder as the “best candidate” for mediating between the EU and Russia.
Other diplomats have similarly expressed their opposition to the idea. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna characterized Schröder’s potential mediation as “Putin’s idea,” adding, “I think they have a very close relationship. Therefore, Gerhard Schröder will not represent Europe. We already have institutions that represent the European Union, including Kaja Kallas, Josep Borrell, and Ursula von der Leyen. We do not need to look for someone to knock on the Kremlin’s door and make offers.”
German Minister for European Affairs Günter Krichbaum noted that a mediator must be acceptable to both parties, stating, “There is clearly a problem here.” He emphasized that Schröder has not demonstrated the qualities necessary to act as a neutral mediator, describing him as having allowed Putin significant influence over him. “A close friendship may be legitimate anywhere in the world, but it does not lend itself to being perceived as an impartial mediator. This is also the position of the federal government. Most importantly, the mediator must be acceptable to both sides,” he added.
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki expressed skepticism about Schröder’s candidacy gaining traction in Europe. “I think Putin’s proposal, like many of his other suggestions, will not receive any positive response from the European side. He might as well have suggested that Dmitry Medvedev or one of his generals serve as the mediator between him and Europe,” he remarked.
Schröder served as Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005 and later became chairman of the board of the Russian state oil giant Rosneft. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, he has maintained personal contacts with Putin and has not publicly condemned Russia’s actions. During the conflict, he has traveled to Moscow multiple times, meeting with Russian leadership, including Putin, to discuss economic policies, particularly regarding the export of Russian oil and gas to Europe. His actions have drawn significant criticism in Germany.
In 2025, Schröder defended the Nord Stream project, stating that he saw no reason to sever the “proven cooperation” established by his predecessors with Russia regarding energy supply.
EU officials, including Kaja Kallas and Andriy Sybiha, have firmly opposed the idea of Gerhard Schröder serving as a mediator in negotiations with Russia. Concerns center around Schröder's past ties to Russian interests and his lack of neutrality.