Schröder Meets Putin in Moscow as Europe Seeks Ukraine Peace Role, June 07

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a private meeting at the Kremlin on June 7, 2026. Putin’s foreign policy adviser confirmed the meeting was “a good conversation” but disclosed no details. The encounter comes as European leaders gather in London to discuss their role in potential Ukraine peace talks, creating parallel diplomatic tracks on the war’s future.

Schröder and Putin’s Private Encounter

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told Interfax news agency that Putin and Schröder met and had “a good conversation.” Ushakov provided no details about the discussion’s content or any prospects for EU-Russia negotiations. The 82-year-old Schröder, who served as German Chancellor until 2005, has maintained a close friendship with Putin for years and worked as a lobbyist for Russian energy companies after leaving office.

Putin’s Mediation Proposal Draws Criticism

Putin previously suggested Schröder as a potential mediator for talks between the EU and Russia, describing him as someone “you can trust.” The proposal faced rejection across Germany and other EU states. Putin defended the idea in Kazakhstan, saying he valued Schröder’s trustworthiness and that personal friendship was not a disadvantage. He argued that successful negotiations require a partner who has not used harsh rhetoric against Russia. The Kremlin stated Russia would not dictate the EU’s choice of negotiators.

European Leaders Chart Their Own Course

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj in London on June 7. The meeting focused on continued support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia. The three European leaders represent about 35 countries in the “Coalition of the Willing” and aim to secure a seat at any future peace negotiations. Merz welcomed Selenskyj’s offer of direct talks with Putin but noted Russia has shown no willingness to engage.

Political Divisions Over Schröder’s Role

SPD politician Ralf Stegner defended the Schröder-Putin meeting as “a chance rather than a risk,” arguing that maintaining a communication channel to Putin could benefit peace efforts. He distinguished between Schröder as a potential mediator and as an official negotiator. The German federal government declined to comment on the meeting. Meanwhile, BSW co-chair Fabio De Masi called the meeting “correct,” emphasizing that peace requires behind-the-scenes diplomacy, not public criticism. The Kremlin’s timing of the meeting—following Ukrainian drone attacks on St. Petersburg—suggested it served as a public relations move for Putin.

Final Thoughts

Schröder’s Moscow visit underscores competing diplomatic strategies as Europe seeks a role in Ukraine negotiations. While some German politicians view him as a useful back-channel contact, the federal government maintains distance, signaling uncertainty about his legitimacy as an intermediary.

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