EU Rejects Putin’s Schröder Mediation Proposal Amid Ceasefire Violations
European leaders firmly rejected Vladimir Putin’s proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a peace mediator, citing his close Kremlin ties. Concurrently, a US-brokered three-day ceasefire collapsed amidst mutual accusations of drone strikes and frontline clashes. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv to strengthen joint weapons development, dismissing Russian claims of an impending war end as deception. Regional tensions escalated after Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds resigned following drone incidents, while the EU prepared new sanctions against Russia’s defense industry.
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EU Diplomacy Chief Says War Dynamics Shift in Ukraine's Favor
Kaja Kallas, the head of EU diplomacy, stated that the dynamics of the war in Ukraine are shifting in favor of Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted significant military support from Germany, estimated at over 28.6 billion euros, during a visit by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The two leaders discussed enhancing defense production cooperation, including six ongoing projects and a new partnership proposal for drone technology. Zelensky also revealed that twenty countries are in advanced negotiations to acquire Ukrainian drones, citing an imminent agreement with Canada as evidence of Ukraine's growing military expertise. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed that Vladimir Putin’s invitation for Donald Trump to visit Russia remains valid, despite ongoing tensions. Additionally, Kallas condemned the forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia as one of the worst crimes aimed at erasing Ukraine's future generation. The article also notes Putin's controversial proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator, a move met with skepticism due to Schröder's historical ties to the Kremlin.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeEU Plans New Sanctions on Russian Arms Industry as Ukraine Rejects Schröder
The European Union is preparing its 21st sanctions package targeting the Russian defense industry, announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels. Member states are also invited to propose measures against Russia's shadow fleet. This follows the recent approval of the 20th package and a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized deepening military cooperation with Germany, describing current joint arms production projects as merely the beginning. During talks in Kiev, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted Ukraine's evolving role from a security consumer to a provider. Conversely, Ukraine firmly rejected former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a potential mediator. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev stated that Schröder lacks moral and political legitimacy due to his long-standing ties to Russian interests, asserting that Ukraine needs allies rather than mediators. Additionally, Lithuania plans to invite Ukrainian drone experts to Vilnius to share combat experience amid recent airspace incidents. These developments underscore continued Western support for Ukraine and diplomatic tensions regarding peace negotiation frameworks.
Topthemen - SZ.deGerman Defence Minister Dismisses Putin's War End Claims as Deception
During a visit to Kyiv on May 11, 2026, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent assertions regarding the imminent end of the war in Ukraine are likely another act of deception. Speaking alongside Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov, Pistorius argued that Putin is attempting to divert attention from military weaknesses and territorial losses. The minister emphasized that if Russia genuinely sought peace, it would withdraw troops or propose unconditional negotiations, rather than engaging in hybrid warfare tactics. He highlighted Putin’s history of bad faith in previous ceasefire agreements. This statement follows Putin’s May 9 claim that the conflict is nearing its end and his suggestion for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to mediate talks, a proposal rejected by both Kyiv and Berlin as an attempt to sow division in Europe. Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s duty to strengthen Ukraine militarily, underscoring the need for continued support against Russian manipulation and aggression.
Ukrainska PravdaPistorius Dismisses Putin's War-End Rhetoric as Distraction Amid Kyiv Arms Talks
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed deep skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements about ending the war in Ukraine, characterizing them as a deceptive tactic to mask Russia's military weaknesses. During a visit to Kyiv, Pistorius focused on strengthening defense cooperation, specifically discussing the joint production of modern high-tech weapon systems with Ukrainian officials. The diplomatic mission occurred against a backdrop of continued violence, as both Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating a US-brokered ceasefire. Reports indicated ongoing drone attacks and frontline battles resulting in casualties in regions such as Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Additionally, the European Union firmly rejected Putin's proposal to involve former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a peace mediator. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha criticized the suggestion, citing Schröder's close ties to Russian state interests and asserting that he cannot represent European interests. The EU emphasized its own institutional leadership in any potential negotiations, while US mediation efforts continue amidst mutual accusations of ceasefire breaches by Moscow and Kiev.
Topthemen - SZ.deGerman Foreign Office Rejects Schröder as Mediator in Ukraine War
The German Federal Foreign Office has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to appoint former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in peace negotiations with Ukraine. State Minister Gunther Krichbaum stated that Schröder allowed himself to be heavily co-opted by Putin, undermining his credibility as an honest broker. This stance was echoed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, who noted Schröder’s history as a lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies and argued that Europe should not allow Russia to select its negotiating representatives. While Austrian officials suggested entering negotiations, Swedish and Baltic representatives deemed current talks unrealistic, prioritizing further sanctions instead. Meanwhile, the German government dismissed Putin’s recent claims about the war nearing an end as lacking credibility, demanding a genuine ceasefire as proof of intent. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, violence persists on the ground. Ukraine reported significant casualties and infrastructure damage from thousands of Russian drone attacks and intense frontline clashes in regions including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv, highlighting the disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and ongoing military aggression.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETEU Foreign Policy Chief Kallas Rejects Schröder as Mediator in Ukraine War
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in future security talks regarding the war in Ukraine. Speaking in Brussels, Kallas argued that allowing Russia to select an EU negotiator is unwise, noting that Schröder’s past advocacy for Russian state-owned corporations means he would effectively be sitting on both sides of the negotiation table. This rejection aligns with the German government’s dismissal of the proposal as a sham offer. Concurrently, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv for unannounced talks aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships. His visit focuses on expanding cooperation in the joint development of high-tech weapon systems, particularly unmanned deep-strike capabilities, to address NATO capability gaps. Meanwhile, tensions persist on the ground as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of violating a recently agreed three-day ceasefire mediated by US President Donald Trump, citing approximately 150 attack operations in the previous 24 hours despite the truce intended to mark World War II victory celebrations.
Topthemen - SZ.deGermany and Ukraine Plan Joint Weapon Development as Latvian Defense Minister Resigns
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv to discuss expanding arms cooperation with Ukraine, focusing on the joint development of advanced unmanned weapon systems, particularly for deep-strike capabilities. Pistorius emphasized that this partnership allows Germany to leverage Ukrainian battlefield experience while helping NATO close capability gaps in long-range weapons. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating the current ceasefire, reporting approximately 150 Russian attack operations in the previous 24 hours. Despite these hostilities, a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side is being prepared with US mediation. In regional political developments, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds resigned following criticism over the military's slow response to drone strikes on oil depots. Additionally, Vladimir Putin’s proposal for former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to serve as a mediator in the conflict has generated mixed reactions among European political parties, with some urging careful examination of the offer to facilitate potential negotiations.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETPutin Claims War Ending, Rejects Schröder as Mediator Amid Ceasefire Violations
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the war in Ukraine is 'coming to an end' during a scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow, where North Korean troops marched alongside Russian forces for the first time. Putin proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator for future peace talks and security negotiations, a suggestion firmly rejected by Germany and other European leaders due to Schröder’s close ties to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, a fragile US-backed three-day ceasefire collapsed almost immediately, with both Kyiv and Moscow accusing each other of violations through drone strikes and frontline clashes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted continued Russian attacks in eastern regions, deepening skepticism about Moscow's intentions. In a related development, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds resigned after Ukrainian drones, allegedly diverted by Russian electronic warfare, struck oil tanks in Rezekne. This incident prompted Latvia and Lithuania to urge NATO to strengthen Baltic air defenses. The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts face significant hurdles and military tensions persist despite temporary truce agreements.
The Independent WorldMixed Reactions to Putin's Proposal of Schröder as Ukraine Peace Mediator
German officials have reacted with caution to Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder serve as a mediator in Ukraine peace talks. While government sources dismissed the proposal as part of Russia's 'bogus offers,' opinions within Germany’s Social Democratic Party are divided. Critics argue Schröder’s close ties to Putin disqualify him, whereas some lawmakers urge Europe to seize any diplomatic opportunity. Meanwhile, the US-mediated three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is under severe strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations involving drone strikes and battlefield clashes. Concurrently, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to visit Moscow for further negotiations. Tensions have also risen between Russia and Armenia after President Zelenskyy’s visit to Yerevan, prompting Kremlin complaints. Additionally, Latvia’s Defence Minister Adris Spruds resigned following the incursion of two Ukrainian drones into Latvian territory, which damaged oil facilities. Kyiv attributed the incident to Russian electronic warfare, but the event triggered a political crisis in Riga over air defense failures.
The Guardian