SPD foreign policy figures have indicated a willingness to seriously evaluate Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder serve as a mediator in the war concerning Ukraine.
Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD parliamentary group’s foreign policy spokesperson, stressed that while every offer must be rigorously assessed for its reliability, the international community cannot allow the future of Ukraine or European security to be dictated solely by the US and Russia. Ahmetovic emphasized that Europe must be involved at the negotiating table. He concluded that if incorporating a former German Chancellor was a required condition, it should be carefully weighted in close consultation with European partners, rather than being immediately rejected. An initial test of credibility, he suggested, could be an extended, comprehensive ceasefire applicable to both sides.
This proposal echoes comments Putin made in Moscow after the Victory parade related to the end of the Second World War, where he stated he preferred discussing the situation with Schröder from the European side.
Adding his support, SPD foreign policy politician Ralf Stegner also advocated for reviewing Putin’s proposal, stating simply, “I welcome any initiative that could end the war”. Stegner highlighted that Europe has not been a participant in the negotiations and therefore cannot put forward its own proposals. He warned that dismissing a potential chance through someone like Schröder would be negligent. He concluded by emphasizing that securing a deal requires utilizing every available opportunity, no matter how small, if the goal is to prevent Putin and Trump from defining Ukraine’s future in isolation. He stressed that any final agreement must include the explicit consent of Ukraine.