Kallas Rejects Schröder as Ukraine Mediator, Calls Putin's Ceasefire Bid Cynical

9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 11

Kaja Kallas said Vladimir Putin's ceasefire calls were "very cynical," arguing Russia sought only to protect its May 9 parade while still attacking civilians in Ukraine.
The EU foreign policy chief also rejected former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible mediator, saying Europe should not let Russia choose its negotiator.
Schröder, Germany's leader from 1998 to 2005, had been a high-level lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies, Kallas said, meaning he would effectively sit on both sides of the table.
Kallas widened the warning beyond Ukraine, saying Russia is steadily trying to rebuild influence in Europe through arenas such as sports bodies and cultural events including the Venice Biennale.

With Schröder dismissed, what viable options does the EU have for a credible peace negotiator?

Is Putin’s offer of a mediator a genuine step toward peace or a strategy to divide Europe?

Could Gerhard Schröder's controversial friendship with Putin be an asset, not a liability, in ending the war?