Putin's Contradictions: Attack Ukraine, Talk Deals, Propose Schröder | Berlin Briefing Podcast

In this episode of the 'Berlin Briefing' podcast, host Nina Haase and guests Judy Dempsey and Roman Goncharenko dissect a recent proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin to have former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder serve as a mediator for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The panelists analyze the proposal through several lenses: the domestic political environment in Germany, the strategic goal of undermining Western unity, and the implications of Schröder's personal and business ties to the Kremlin. The discussion emphasizes that Putin's suggestion was met with skepticism and caution in Berlin, with officials highlighting the need to work through established diplomatic channels. The guests also reflect on the broader context of Russia-Germany relations, including historical economic dependencies and the impact of the ongoing war. Ultimately, the episode provides a detailed examination of why this proposal is widely viewed as a provocative diplomatic maneuver rather than a sincere path to resolution.