'No comment' after Schröder named by Putin for Ukraine talks

Gerhard Schröder's office on Sunday refused to comment after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would like the former German chancellor as a possible European mediator in peace talks to end the Ukraine war.

Putin told reporters on Saturday: "Of all European politicians, I would prefer talks with Schröder."

Speaking at the end of Victory Day celebrations, the Russian leader also said he thought the four-year conflict with Ukraine was heading toward an end.

In response to a question from DPA news agency, Schröder's office said it would not comment on the matter.

News agencies cited an anonymous German government official as saying Putin's suggestion was "not credible" as Moscow had not altered its conditions for ending the war.

The sources added that a first test of credibility would be for Russia to extend this weekend's 3-day ceasefire.

Schröder defended Russia over Ukraine war

The 82-year-old Schröder has courted controversy over his close ties to Russia, personal friendship with Putin and his role in Russian energy companies after leaving politics.

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Writing in the Berliner Zeitung newspaper in January, Schröder described the Russian invasion as contrary to international law.

"But I'm also against demonizing Russia as the eternal enemy," he added, before urging Germany to restart imports of Russian energy, which were cut over the conflict.

Putin's remarks come as Kyiv and Moscow observe a three-day ceasefire in the conflict this weekend.

The truce was announced on Friday by US President Donald Trump after negotiations brokered by Washington.

The Financial Times reported this week that European Union leaders are quietly preparing for possible direct negotiations with both sides, citing growing frustration with US efforts. 

European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday said the EU was prepared to hold separate talks with the warring parties “when the right moment comes."

Edited by: Louis Oelofse