EU rejects Putin call for Gerhard Schröder role in Ukraine peace talks

Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas says Kremlin-friendly former German chancellor cannot be considered impartial

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The EU has dismissed Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that the Kremlin-friendly former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder could serve as a European mediator in peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, the Russian leader put forward Schröder – a longtime ally – as a possible figure to help restart talks with Europe, saying he would “personally” favour the former German leader for the role.