Kallas Rejected Schroeder's Nomination As Russia Negotiator

• 11.05.2026, 10:20

Brussels considers him a lobbyist for Moscow's interests.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who is seen as a lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies, cannot represent the European Union in talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas said this before the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 11.

According to "European Pravda", Kallas called Schroeder an unsuitable candidate for such a role.

"I think Gerhard Schroeder was a lobbyist, a high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. So it's understandable why Putin wants it to be this particular person - to essentially sit on both sides of the table," she emphasized.

The European diplomatic chief said it was now clear that the ceasefire sought by Vladimir Putin was just a cynical pretext to secure the parade, while Russian forces continued to strike civilian targets in Ukraine.

"If we give Russia the right to appoint a negotiator on our behalf, you know, that would not be very wise," Callas added.

Official Berlin had also earlier made it clear that it did not take Putin's proposal to appoint Schroeder as EU negotiator seriously, viewing the initiative as an attempt to sow divisions within Europe and among German politicians.