Overview
- EU foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels on Monday, rejected Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that Gerhard Schröder represent Europe in possible talks with Russia.
- Kaja Kallas said Russia cannot choose Europe’s envoy and argued Schröder is unsuitable because he lobbied for Russian state companies, which would undercut impartiality.
- Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv does not support Schröder for the role and noted there are many other leaders who could serve as acceptable mediators.
- Berlin voiced skepticism that Moscow is serious about negotiations, while some SPD figures urged discussing Schröder’s involvement with partners as others warned it could sow division.
- European leaders are weighing a Europe-led track such as a special envoy or team, with further coordination expected at an EU summit in Cyprus after a short ceasefire over Victory Day collapsed on the ground.