EU Snubs Putin’s Schröder Mediation Pitch
EU’s Cold Shoulder: Putin’s Schroeder Pitch Frozen Out
Imagine the bustling streets of Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings. Now, picture this: a Russian diplomat, standing in the shade of the Grandmaster’s Palace, whispering a name into the ear of a European Union official. That name? Gerhard Schröder, former German Chancellor. The EU’s response? A collective shrug and a frosty “Nyet”.
Putin’s Mediation Pitch: A Bridge Too Far
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proposed Gerhard Schröder, his long-time ally and former chancellor of Germany, as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. This suggestion came amidst the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, with Putin hoping to us Schröder’s political clout to ease tensions. But the EU had other plans.
The EU, with Malta’s Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo echoing the sentiment, swiftly rejected Putin’s proposal. Speaking from the Maltese capital, Bartolo stated, “Schröder’s close ties with Putin make him an unsuitable mediator. We need impartiality, not a voice of the aggressor.”
Schröder: A Controversial Figure in the EU
Schröder’s relationship with Putin is no secret. He’s been a vocal critic of EU sanctions against Russia and has even joined the board of Russia’s state-owned oil company, Rosneft. His appointment as mediator, therefore, was seen as a non-starter by the EU, with many officials citing a clear conflict of interest.
Schröder’s past statements have done little to endear him to the EU. In 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, he infamously stated, “Crimea has always been Russian.” Such remarks have only served to harden the EU’s stance against any Russian involvement in the peace process.
Malta, with its strategic location and EU presidency in 2017, has been vocal in its support of Ukraine. Prime Minister Robert Abela recently reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “We stand united with Ukraine in the face of this unprovoked aggression.”
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the EU is not willing to compromise on its stance against Russia. Putin’s proposal for Schröder as mediator has been firmly rejected, with the EU insisting on a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
