Germany's Schroeder no 'honest broker' in Ukraine talks, says German official
- Country:
- Germany
Germany's top official for Europe on Monday dismissed a suggestion by Russian President Vladimir Putin that former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could mediate between Russia and Europe to secure a peace deal in Ukraine.
Schroeder "has not exactly done everything in the past to be able to act as a neutral mediator, an 'honest broker,' so to speak," Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum said in Brussels.
"He is, and certainly has been, heavily influenced by Mr Putin - close friendships may be legitimate anywhere in the world, but they do not help one to be perceived as an impartial mediator," Krichbaum said.
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