European Union foreign ministers rejected Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could take part in future talks between Russia and Europe on a new security arrangement.
Putin had named Schroeder as a possible figure for such a dialogue. The former German chancellor has maintained a personal relationship with the Russian president for years and held positions in companies linked to Russia’s energy sector after leaving office.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European Union itself must determine who represents it in potential negotiations.
German officials also reacted negatively and questioned whether Schroeder could be regarded as a neutral mediator.
The discussion has broader significance as U.S. efforts to secure an end to the war raise questions about the independent role the European Union might play in future negotiations with Moscow.
European governments effectively rejected the Kremlin’s attempt to identify a preferred intermediary on their behalf.