A few days ago, a correspondent of the German television NTV noticed Gerhard Schroeder in the luxurious Kempinski hotel in Moscow. The website of the weekly “Spiegel” emphasized that the former chancellor was considered a friend of Putin and that even after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he worked for Russian energy companies.
The Russian president previously suggested that Schroeder become a mediator regarding the war in Ukraine. This was met with huge opposition in Europe. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, clearly expressed her position in Brussels: – If we allowed Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, it would be very unwise.
Meeting in the Kremlin
So far, the reason for the German politician's visit to Moscow has not been known. On Friday, Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the former chancellor met with Vladimir Putin. — It was a good and friendly conversation. It took place in the tete-a-tete format [poufna rozmowa w cztery oczy] — he said in an interview with Russian media.
Putin's adviser also confirmed that the meeting took place in the Kremlin. However, he admitted that he did not know the details of the conversation.
