Gerhard Schroeder, former Chancellor of Germany. spotted in Moscow. He was supposed to be Putin's mediator

Ashley Davis02/06/2026

0 40 2 minutes read

The former chancellor's presence coincided with an interesting moment: the International Economic Forum (SPIEF) begins on Wednesday in St. Petersburg, during which, for the first time since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, German entrepreneurs will be officially represented again. Many AfD politicians are also expected.

Vladimir Putin's recent initiative adds to the excitement. He suggested that Schroeder become a mediator regarding the war in Ukraine. This was met with huge opposition in Europe.

Kaja Kallas, head of EU diplomacy, clearly expressed her position in Brussels: — If we allowed Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, it would be very unwise.

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Referring to Schroeder's close contacts with Moscow, she added that he was a high-ranking lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. Therefore, she said, it is clear why Putin wants him. “Then he would sort of sit on both sides of the table.”

An unequivocal refusal also came from Kiev. Andriy Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, when asked about Schroeder's possible role as a mediator, made it clear that he did not support it. He added that “there are many other worthy leaders” who could negotiate on behalf of the European Union.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Berlin. September 8, 2005PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/ITAR-TASS POOL / PAP

For years Schroeder is criticized for close relations with Putin. In 2014, after the illegal annexation of Crimea, he celebrated his 70th birthday together with the leader of the Kremlin in Russia. Even after the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, he initially continued to work for Russian energy companies.

German entrepreneurs return to Russia

German entrepreneurs are cautiously trying to return to the Russian market. The participants of the German-Russian business dialogue include Stefan Duerr, a Russian agricultural entrepreneur, and Thomas Bruch, a long-time head of the Globus chain of stores. According to data from the chamber of commerce There are still about 1,600 German companies operating in Russia.

Too several AfD politicians are going to Russia. Before leaving, Markus Frohnmaier, Member of the Bundestag, said: – Germany needs a policy that once again puts security of supply, competitiveness and the interests of its own citizens first.

According to the organizers, the head of AfD in Saxony Jorg Urban, Steffen Kotre, Member of the Bundestag, and MEP Petr Bystron are also expected to participate in the event.

From June 3 to 6 Putin will personally receive guests of the economic forum. The program also includes an event devoted to culture as a “bridge builder” in times of crisis. The invitees include conductor Justus Frantz, publisher Holger Friedrich and director Hubert Seipel.

However, the most important question remains open: what role does Gerhard Schroeder play in this Moscow arrangement?

Ashley Davis02/06/2026

0 40 2 minutes read