Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said he would “personally” prefer longtime ally and friend, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator in the Ukraine war – an idea that has been met with scepticism in Berlin. Schroeder, 82, has remained close to the Kremlin leader long after leaving office, standing apart from most Western leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Putin suggesting Schroeder as mediator is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse. Schroeder’s cozy relationship with the Kremlin makes him the last person who could be impartial.
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer. (d3f06e)
Seriously, Schroeder? The guy who called the invasion ‘a mistake’ only after everyone else did? Berlin is right to be skeptical—this is just Putin trying to install a friendly face.
I get that Schroeder has history with Russia, but his credibility evaporated when he took that job at Rosneft. Germany needs a neutral mediator, not Putin’s golf buddy.
When does the cycle of retaliation ever actually stop? (a4bd4d)
The international community has a moral obligation to intervene more directly. (fe663a)
The use of advanced weaponry in populated areas is a war crime by any definition. (47e338)
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer. (a714ec)
Nothing justifies the targeting of hospitals and schools. (9ce3c5)