Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is criticized within his party for supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Ukraine conflict.

Schröder was removed from the SPD leadership but maintains that his friendship with Putin could aid in negotiating a resolution to the conflict, despite acknowledging Russia's invasion as a 'fatal mistake'.

He has advocated for a new diplomatic initiative by France and Germany after a failed mediation attempt in 2022.

The EU is extending tariff-free food imports from Ukraine and is involved in a joint initiative to supply the country with ammunition.

Schröder's position complicates his party's stance, but he continues to support Russia and push for diplomacy despite his party's and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz's differing views on the matter.

Chancellor Scholz has not communicated with Putin since December 2022 and believes peace is possible if Russia withdraws its troops.