Schröder Points Finger at U.S. Over Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks’ Collapse.
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder told “Berliner Zeitung” that he believes the U.S. played a significant role in the breakdown of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. FOCUS online highlighted Schröder’s perspective that the Ukrainians were seemingly tied to American directives during the March 2022 discussions in Istanbul. However, the foundation for Schröder’s claim wasn’t detailed in the feature.
Questioning Ties with Putin
Schröder’s critiques are underscored, as FOCUS online notes, by his enduring bond with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even amidst the Ukrainian conflict. Following the war’s onset in February, Russian sources indicated that mutual accords were formed during the peace dialogues. Yet, Moscow contends that the U.S. influenced Ukraine to backtrack on these commitments.
American Hand in Negotiation Outcomes?
Schröder, per FOCUS Online, squarely attributes the peace talks’ derailment between Russia and Ukraine to American interference. Elaborating to “Berliner Zeitung,” he insinuated that the ultimate calls were made in the U.S. capital.
Schröder’s Mediation Efforts
Schröder disclosed his 2022 invitation to broker peace between the nations. During this period, he engaged in dialogues with both Rustem Umjerow, Ukraine’s current defense minister, and Putin. Quoting Schröder, FOCUS online mentioned that during these discussions, the Butcha incidents were undisclosed. Umjerov seemed open to making compromises, notably regarding Ukraine’s NATO non-affiliation and re-establishing the Russian language in Donbass. Yet, Schröder felt U.S. influence overshadowed potential advancements.
Schröder’s Perspective on U.S. Strategy
Beyond the peace talks, Schröder emphasized his belief that the U.S. aims to “keep the Russians in check.” Although he censured Russia’s aggressive tactics, he championed sustaining ties with Moscow. His pro-Russian inclinations led to significant backlash within the SPD. As FOCUS online elaborated, SPD’s top brass consistently distanced themselves from Schröder post the Russian incursion, deeming him a party outlier. However, efforts by some party affiliates to oust him proved unsuccessful.
Image: Kremlin.ru, Schröder & Putin, 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony (2018-06-14) 32, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, (no changes made)