Putin: "The Ukraine issue is nearing its end" and suggests Schröder could serve as mediator

According to reports from German N-TV television and German public radio: Russian President Putin proposed that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could potentially act as a negotiator in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking in Moscow, Putin stated he believes the conflict is "nearing its end."

Putin emphasized that resolving the conflict peacefully is a matter between Russia and Ukraine. "But if anyone is willing to help, we are grateful." Although the United States has been actively trying to mediate, Putin said that on the European side, he could envision former leader of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), Schröder, taking on the role. At a press conference following the Victory Day parade after World War II, Putin said among all European political figures, he would be most willing to engage in dialogue with Schröder.

The SPD politician has maintained a long-standing friendship with the Russian president. Now 82 years old, Schröder served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005. He has remained controversial since leaving office due to his work for Russian oil and gas companies. In a guest article published in the Berliner Zeitung at the beginning of January this year, while describing Russia’s war against Ukraine as a "violation of international law," he also opposed "demonizing Russia as an eternal enemy." Furthermore, he advocated for restoring Russia’s energy supplies to Europe.

These remarks have particularly drawn criticism from Baltic states. Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu called them "simply shocking," accusing the former chancellor of engaging in a "sinister attempt to divide Europe." Ultimately, Schröder is seen as trying to persuade Europe to stop pressuring Russia.

Putin said Slovak Prime Minister Fico informed him that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is willing to meet personally. Putin stated: "Whoever wants to meet me must come to Moscow." He stressed this was not a direct invitation to Zelenskyy, but he would be open to meeting him. "We could also meet outside Moscow, but only if a long-term peace agreement is reached beforehand."

Putin also accused Europe of attempting to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. However, he noted that Europe is well aware that "this game may come at a high cost." He pointed out that Europe continues to provide large-scale support to Ukraine, especially in technology and scientific fields.

The Kremlin recently stated that it should be European governments who take the first step, as it was Europe that initially severed ties with Moscow following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022. On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that EU leaders are preparing for potential negotiations.

A spokesperson for the German federal government in Berlin responded to related questions by saying he was unwilling to speculate about when the right moment for talks might be. At present, Russia and Putin clearly "do not seem interested in genuine negotiations," he said. He emphasized that coordination within Europe must remain unified, and actions must also be consistent with Ukraine.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1864859483546628/

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