Key facts
- Vladimir Putin met with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Moscow.
- The meeting was described as 'good and friendly' and a 'tete-a-tete' by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
- Schroeder previously worked for Russian state companies and has a close relationship with Putin.
- EU foreign ministers rejected any role for Schroeder in negotiations.
- Ushakov also mentioned informal contacts with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a one-on-one meeting with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Moscow. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussion as 'good and friendly' and a 'tete-a-tete,' according to Russian news agencies. Schroeder, who served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has a history of working for Russian state companies and maintaining a close relationship with Putin. Putin had previously suggested Schroeder as his preferred partner for negotiating new security arrangements for Europe. However, EU foreign ministers rejected any role for Schroeder in such negotiations, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating it would allow him to 'be sitting on both sides of the table.' Ushakov also indicated that Russian officials engage in numerous informal contacts, mentioning potential upcoming visits by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow, though dates were not yet agreed.