Russian President Vladimir Putin has floated former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible mediator in peace talks with Ukraine. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas promptly rejected the idea. Critics view it as a tactical move by Moscow.
The suggestion came around the Victory Day celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany. Putin simultaneously announced a temporary ceasefire and a major prisoner exchange.
Kallas called Schröder a Russian lobbyist and firmly rejected any mediating role. The idea also triggered outrage in Germany.
The AfD expressed support instead. The 82-year-old Schröder is viewed as controversial due to his close ties to Putin. Last year he skipped an investigative committee appearance citing burnout.
