Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeiev, has firmly dismissed the suggestion from Russian President Vladimir Putin to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in potential peace negotiations.
Makeiev explained that Kyiv is not interested in mediators but rather allies in its pursuit of peace. He emphasized that an individual with longstanding ties to the Kremlin lacks both the moral and political legitimacy to engage in the peace process between Ukraine and Russia.
“We do not need mediators. We need allies,” the ambassador stated, highlighting the inappropriateness of someone who has represented Russian interests in Germany for years. He added with irony, “We hope he doesn’t accidentally end up at the wrong table.”
Currently, Makeiev is accompanying German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during his visit to Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials have rejected the idea of Gerhard Schröder mediating peace talks with Russia, citing his connections to the Kremlin. The ambassador emphasized the need for genuine allies instead of mediators.