Putin Names Schröder for Russia Talks; EU's Kallas Rejects

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has firmly rejected the notion of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder representing Europe in any future negotiations with Russia. This stance, articulated upon her arrival for an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, underscores a deep-seated skepticism towards Schröder's suitability for such a role, given his long-standing ties to Russian state-owned energy firms.

“

It would be very unwise to give Russia the power to appoint negotiators.

Kallas articulated that allowing Russia to dictate who sits at the negotiating table would be a significant misstep. She pointed to Schröder's history as a lobbyist for Russian energy giants, suggesting his appointment would imply a lack of impartiality. The EU's approach, as outlined by Kallas, prioritizes internal alignment on objectives before engaging with Moscow. This reflects a broader European strategy to present a united front and avoid being outmaneuvered in potential diplomatic overtures.

“

Schröder has been a senior lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies, and Putin wants him as a negotiator because he would be 'sitting on both sides of the table'.

Schröder's controversial position, particularly his refusal to sever ties with Russian companies following the invasion of Ukraine, has made him a polarizing figure. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested Schröder as a preferred negotiator, the EU, through Kallas, has signaled that such a proposal is unacceptable. The emphasis is on coordinated European action, ensuring that any dialogue serves the collective interests of the EU member states rather than accommodating Russian preferences.

“

Before we discuss with Russia, we should first discuss internally what we want to talk to them about.