Berlin has expressed skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a mediator in the Ukraine war. Schroeder has maintained close ties with Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said he would "personally" prefer longtime ally and friend, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, as mediator in the Ukraine war – an idea that has been met with scepticism in Berlin. Schroeder, 82, has remained close to the Kremlin leader long after leaving office, standing apart from most Western leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.