Schroeder Visits Putin’s Home for 74th Birthday Amid Ongoing War
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder visited Russian President Vladimir Putin at his home to celebrate the leader's 74th birthday, according to the Kremlin. The visit occurred despite ongoing criticism of Schroeder’s ties to Russian business and his continued association with Putin during the war in Ukraine. Schroeder, who recently joined the supervisory board of the Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus, was in Moscow for business and was invited by Putin after learning of his presence. The Kremlin posted images of the two shaking hands in a traditional setting, highlighting their enduring personal relationship despite Western sanctions and diplomatic tensions.
Key points
- Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder visited Vladimir Putin at his home to celebrate Putin's 74th birthday.
- The Kremlin confirmed the visit and posted images of the two shaking hands in a traditional Russian setting.
- Schroeder was in Moscow for business related to the Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus, where he recently joined the supervisory board.
- Schroeder has faced criticism in Germany for maintaining close ties with Putin and Russian business interests despite the war in Ukraine.
- European foreign ministers previously rejected the idea of Schroeder playing a role in peace talks for the conflict.
Background
This visit occurs amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, including recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent visit to Kyiv to announce new defense aid. Schroeder’s continued engagement with Russian business and Putin contrasts sharply with the stance of current German leadership and European allies, who have condemned the war and imposed sanctions. The Kremlin’s publicizing of the visit underscores the personal relationship between the two leaders, despite the broader diplomatic isolation of Russia.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the persistent personal and business ties between former German leadership and the Russian regime, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions. It underscores the complexity of German-Russia relations and the challenges in aligning domestic business interests with foreign policy objectives during a time of conflict.
What to watch
The Kremlin may continue to use such visits to showcase international support or personal relationships with Western leaders, while European governments are likely to maintain their stance against engaging with Russian business interests linked to the war. Schroeder’s role in Russian business may face further scrutiny in Germany and Europe.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Moscow Times