Putin Pushes Schröder as Ukraine Mediator Amid European Distrust (euobserver.com)

• Putin proposes Schröder as Ukraine peace mediator.
• Europeans question Schröder's impartiality due to Russian ties.
• Schröder's role risks deepening EU splits on Russia policy.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator to help end the war in Ukraine. Schröder, who maintains close ties to Russian energy companies, faces deep mistrust across Europe. Many EU and NATO officials view him as a potential Trojan horse for Moscow's hybrid warfare strategy. The move highlights divisions within Europe over how to approach negotiations with Russia and whether Schröder can serve as an honest broker."