Putin Endorses Gerhard Schröder as EU Negotiator for Ukraine Conflict Resolution

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is approaching its conclusion and that Moscow is prepared for negotiations. During a press conference on May 9, Putin emphasized that the European Union should select a negotiator who has not made disparaging remarks about Russia. He expressed a clear preference for Gerhard Schröder, the former German Chancellor known for his close ties with Russia, as the EU’s candidate in potential peace talks.

Putin’s Diplomatic Opening and Conditions

Responding to a journalist’s question about whether there are Western European politicians with whom he could engage in dialogue, Putin stated, "For me personally, the preferred candidate is former Chancellor of Germany, Mr. Schröder." He stressed that Russia has always communicated with the EU respectfully, contrasting this with the need for a negotiator who refrains from insults.

"Europe must choose a negotiator who has not spoken 'some nasty things' about us," Putin said, underscoring his demand for respect in talks.

Despite this, Putin’s rhetoric since the beginning of the invasion has included several derogatory remarks towards European countries and politicians. For instance, in December 2025, he referred to some European leaders as "subpigs". During the same press conference, he also criticized Finland’s NATO accession and alleged plans to partition Russian territory.

Prospects for a Meeting with Zelensky

Putin reiterated his openness to meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in a third country. However, he noted that such a summit would require "final agreements designed for a long-term historical perspective." Officially, direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have not been occurring; Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed this status in mid-April.

Putin also mentioned that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico conveyed Zelensky’s willingness to meet at the leader level during a recent visit to Moscow. "We have never rejected this; whoever wants to meet should come to Moscow," Putin said.

However, Kyiv has repeatedly dismissed invitations from Russia and Belarus to hold talks on their territory, viewing them as insincere and unacceptable.

Schröder’s Role and Background

Putin’s endorsement of Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator is unsurprising. The former German Chancellor (1998–2005) is well known for his close relationship with Putin and has played a prominent role in projects linked to Russia. Schröder has chaired the board of the operator of the Nord Stream gas pipeline and served on the board of Russian oil giant Rosneft. German media depict him as a staunch Putin ally and lobbyist of Russian interests within Germany.

During the ongoing conflict, Schröder has maintained a pro-Russian stance. In January 2026, he criticized the "demonization" of Russia in a commentary in the Berliner Zeitung and advocated for the resumption of Russian energy supplies to Europe at affordable prices.

Additional Kremlin Negotiation Strategies

Beyond Schröder, reports from December 2025 revealed that Putin personally lobbied for Steve Witkoff, a U.S. businessman, to act as a negotiator on Ukraine from the Trump administration’s side. According to The Wall Street Journal, Witkoff appealed to the Kremlin because he was more of a businessman than a politician and did not always adhere to intelligence protocols. Putin reportedly succeeded in arranging meetings with Witkoff without the usual accompaniment of CIA officers, diplomats, or translators.

As the conflict continues to shape geopolitical dynamics, Putin’s call for a respected EU negotiator and hints at renewed dialogue mark critical developments in Moscow’s approach to the war in Ukraine.