The Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksij Makejew, has strongly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder serve as a mediator in peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Makejew stated to “Der Spiegel” that Ukraine does not require mediators but rather allies, adding that Schröder, despite years of representing Russian interests in Germany, lacks both the moral and political legitimacy to assume such a role. Speaking on the sidelines of a visit by the German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, to Kyiv, Makejew further cautioned that Schröder should be careful not to end up in the wrong place.
The refusal was echoed by Omid Nouripour, the Greens’ Vice President of the Bundestag. Nouripour dismissed the idea of Schröder as a potential mediator, calling Putin’s move “a bad joke” in conversation with “Der Spiegel”. He characterized the immediate willingness of elements within the SPD to back the proposal as proof that the Social Democratic Party has not abandoned its poor ties to Moscow.
Nouripour continued by arguing that the current conflict needs not a mediator from Germany, but a strengthening of shared European unity. Looking to other German figures who could take on a mediation role, the Greens politician noted that if the EU were to nominate someone from Germany, it would be welcome news.
The controversy stems from President Putin’s initial suggestion on Saturday to position his friend, ex-Chancellor Schröder, as the mediator in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the strong backlash from Kyiv and green party leaders, some foreign policy figures within the SPD initially showed openness to the proposal.