Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder remains optimistic that his personal relationship with Vladimir Putin could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

"We have cooperated well for many years. Perhaps this can still help to find a solution at the negotiating table, because there is no other solution," he stated in an interview with the dpa agency.

Schröder developed a friendship with Putin during his tenure as chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. He currently works for the Nord Stream gas pipeline company, which is predominantly under Russian control. Despite referring to the Russian armed invasion of Ukraine as a "fatal mistake," Schröder has never distanced himself from Putin.

His alignment with Putin led to his ostracization by the leadership of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, although they were unable to expel him from the party.

When questioned about his continued friendship with Putin despite the tens of thousands killed and the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Schröder responded that "there is another dimension here." The former chancellor advocates for launching a new mediation initiative at the government level.

Schröder believes that "France and Germany must take the initiative in this matter. It is obvious that the war cannot end with the total defeat of either side."
@ukrainejournal