While the German federal government reacted to the meeting between former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow with extreme reservation, SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner praised the encounter warmly.
Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel”, Stegner argued that regardless of how one views Schröder, everyone must acknowledge that a conversation between the former chancellor and President Putin is more of an opportunity than a risk. He questioned what harm such a private discussion could possibly do, noting that it remains difficult to assess its ultimate utility today.
The former SPD vice-chairman emphasized the need to differentiate among the “mixed excitement surrounding Schröder.” Stegner stated that while Schröder cannot be a negotiating leader for the West, he certainly can act as a mediator with Putin. He pointed out that because Schröder is no longer an active politician, his involvement commits him to nothing.
Stegner posed a critical question regarding political access: “Who has contacts to Putin in Germany anymore?” He expressed relief that the connection between Schröder and Putin remains functional. Furthermore, he insisted that there was no evidence of Schröder meeting Putin at the Kremlin specifically to praise or flatter him over “this terrible war.” According to Stegner, Putin had not yet achieved a military objective and needed to end the conflict.
The expert dismissed “the indignation of the usual suspects” as counterproductive, arguing it does nothing for Ukraine. He suggested that shouting accusations against Putin as a dictator from outside the Kremlin walls is futile. Instead, he advocated for celebrating any attempt by an “Elder Statesman like Schröder” to influence Putin.
The federal government declined to comment on the meeting when approached by the “Tagesspiegel”. The Foreign Office informed the newspaper via inquiry that it had not been involved in the discussions between Schröder and Putin. Separately, Schröder’s office initially chose not to respond to a request from the “Tagesspiegel” on Saturday.
