The proposal, raised by Putin over the weekend as he signaled openness to discussing postwar security arrangements in Europe, was swiftly dismissed by EU officials who questioned both Russia’s intentions and Schroeder’s neutrality because of his longstanding ties to the Kremlin and Russian state energy companies.
“We would not be very wise to allow Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf,” Kaja Kallas told reporters during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Kallas said Schroeder’s close relationship with Putin made him unsuitable for any mediating role, adding that Moscow had shown no evidence it was prepared to engage sincerely in peace or security negotiations linked to the war in Ukraine.

Germany’s Europe minister, Gunther Krichbaum, also rejected the suggestion, saying Schroeder could not be considered an “honest broker” because of his political and business connections to Russia.

Schroeder, who served as German chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has maintained close personal ties with Putin and previously held senior roles in Russian state-controlled energy firms, relationships that have drawn sustained criticism across Europe since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha similarly dismissed any role for Schroeder but said European governments could participate in negotiations complementary to ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

A source familiar with the discussions said Sybiha proposed that European officials help mediate a narrower agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on each other’s airports, describing the initiative as a more achievable objective than a comprehensive settlement to end the war.

The discussions reflect growing debate inside the EU over whether the bloc should eventually establish direct diplomatic channels with Moscow after more than four years of political isolation and sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion.

Antonio Costa said last week he had begun consultations with European leaders on how the bloc should organize itself for possible future talks with Russia when conditions become appropriate.

Several ministers, however, argued the EU should intensify economic and political pressure on Moscow before considering formal negotiations or appointing any envoy.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said the immediate priority should be strengthening the bloc’s leverage against Russia rather than selecting mediators.

Austria’s foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, said the EU should prepare to become more directly engaged in diplomacy with Moscow, while stressing that decisions on representation would be made by European governments, not Russia.

The warning came as negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain stalled following a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran that took effect on April 8, with control of the strait a central dispute.

Trump said the operation, dubbed “Project Freedom,” would begin on Monday and described it as a humanitarian effort to assist crews stranded amid the disruption to shipping.

In a social media post, he said U.S. forces would work to guide vessels safely out of the waterway.In response, Iran’s military central command said any transit through the strait must be coordinated with Iranian forces, warning that “any foreign armed force especially the aggressive U.S. military” entering the area would be attacked, according to a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB and attributed to Major General Ali Abdollahi.

The standoff has disrupted global energy flows, with Iran effectively restricting the movement of oil, gas and fertilizer shipments through the strait, while the United States has imposed countermeasures targeting Iranian ports. Maritime data cited by AXSMarine indicated that more than 900 commercial vessels were in the Gulf as of April 29.

The United States Central Command said the escort mission would involve guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, unmanned platforms and around 15,000 personnel.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the maritime security threat level in the strait remains “critical” due to ongoing military activity, advising vessels to coordinate with Omani authorities and consider alternative routing.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have so far yielded little progress. Iran has proposed a framework for negotiations, including reopening the strait and lifting blockades, while U.S. officials have indicated discussions are ongoing but have not detailed specific terms.European officials have urged a negotiated resolution, warning of the economic impact of prolonged disruption.

Emmanuel Macron called for a coordinated reopening of the strait, while Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul stressed the need for Iran to restore navigation and address nuclear concerns.Oil prices have risen sharply, trading about 50 percent above pre-conflict levels amid supply constraints linked to the strait, a key global energy corridor.

The comments come amid rising diplomatic tension between Italy and Switzerland following the tragedy that killed dozens and left many injured.

The fire broke out in the early hours of January 1 at a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana.

The incident claimed 40 lives, including six Italian nationals, and injured more than 100 people, sending shockwaves through both countries.

The release on bail of the bar owner, Jacques Moretti, sparked widespread outrage in Italy. Families of victims, political leaders, and media outlets criticised the decision, calling it insensitive and deeply distressing.

Italy’s prime minister described the move as a serious affront to grieving families and those still recovering in hospital. Officials argued that releasing the suspect undermined trust in the judicial process and delayed accountability for the tragedy.

In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Swiss President Parmelin acknowledged the emotional reaction in Italy. He said the indignation was understandable given the scale of the loss and the number of Italian victims involved.

At the same time, Parmelin emphasised that Switzerland’s legal system is independent. He noted that politicians cannot and should not interfere in judicial decisions taken by magistrates.

The diplomatic situation escalated when Italy recalled its ambassador from Switzerland for consultations. Italian authorities said the move was intended to formally convey their dissatisfaction to Swiss prosecutors.

Rome has also called for the creation of a joint Italian Swiss investigative team. Italian leaders believe closer cooperation would help ensure transparency and fairness in the investigation.

Parmelin said Switzerland had not been officially informed in advance of the ambassador’s recall. He described the move as a routine diplomatic measure rather than a hostile act.

According to the Swiss president, such recalls are part of normal diplomatic dialogue. He added that after consultations, ambassadors typically return to their posts without long term consequences.

The tragedy has had a profound impact on public opinion in Italy. Media coverage has been intense, with daily updates focusing on victims, survivors, and unanswered questions.

Families of those who died have demanded justice and accountability. Many have questioned safety standards, crowd control, and emergency preparedness at the venue.

Swiss authorities have said investigations are ongoing. Prosecutors are examining possible violations of safety regulations and responsibility for the fire.

The incident has also prompted wider discussions in both countries. Officials and experts are debating fire safety laws, inspection procedures, and enforcement in nightlife venues.

Despite the diplomatic strain, both sides have signalled a desire to maintain constructive relations. Swiss leaders have expressed sympathy for the victims and pledged full cooperation within legal boundaries.

Italian officials continue to push for stronger involvement in the investigation. They argue that the presence of Italian victims justifies closer bilateral coordination.

As legal proceedings continue, emotions remain high. The case is likely to remain a sensitive issue in Italy Switzerland relations in the coming months.

The Swiss president’s remarks appear aimed at calming tensions while reaffirming respect for the rule of law. Whether this will ease Italian anger depends largely on the outcome and transparency of the investigation.

The occasion marks the first state visit by a German president in nearly three decades and underscores a growing effort by both nations to reaffirm their relationship following the post-Brexit transition.

The British monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, greeted President Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender with full ceremonial honors. The warm reception set the tone for a visit designed to reinforce diplomatic, cultural and historical connections between the two countries.

The royal couple joined their guests in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, accompanied by Prince William and Princess Kate, emphasizing the significance of the visit for the wider royal family.

This state visit mirrors the structure of other high-profile diplomatic engagements hosted by the UK this year, though it carries a distinctly European emphasis.

The broader context includes earlier visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, both of whom played roles in re-establishing momentum in UK–EU relations after the strains of Brexit.

Each visit reflects a shared commitment to deeper cooperation across security, trade, energy and cultural exchange.

Later in the day, President Steinmeier is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street. Their discussions are expected to explore strategic areas of collaboration, including joint climate policies, European security frameworks and bilateral innovation partnerships.

The evening will conclude with a state banquet at Windsor Castle, offering another platform to affirm the longstanding friendship between the nations.

On Thursday, Steinmeier and his wife will visit the resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth II, honoring the legacy of a monarch who shaped modern British diplomacy.

They will also be shown the historic State Sleigh, a symbolic artifact crafted during the era of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, reflecting the deep historical ties between the British and German royal families.

During the visit, President Steinmeier will address members of the UK Parliament, highlighting democratic cooperation and shared values. He will also engage with German athletes currently playing in the Premier League, celebrating the cultural bridges that connect the two countries through sport, community and public life.

On Friday, the presidential couple will travel to Coventry, a city with poignant ties to German-British history. Coventry was heavily bombed during World War II, yet the city later became a symbol of reconciliation and peace. President Steinmeier will lay a wreath alongside the Duke of Kent at the ruins of the old cathedral, honoring the memory of both British and German lives affected by wartime devastation.

The ceremony echoes earlier gestures of remembrance, including recent commemorations of the bombing of Dresden.

The visit as a whole represents a positive reaffirmation of unity, shared heritage and future-focused cooperation. With both nations committed to strengthening ties across diplomacy, security and cultural exchange, the state visit marks a meaningful moment in the evolving relationship between the UK and Germany.

The events of the next three days are expected to build enduring foundations that support continued partnership and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected Europe.

The talks reflected the growing momentum in bilateral relations and the shared interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on reviewing the current state of relations between the two countries.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of building on previous engagements and identifying new areas where collaboration could produce meaningful results for both sides.

The discussions highlighted opportunities in fields such as trade, investment, tourism, transport, and cultural exchange.

Officials acknowledged that both countries have complementary strengths, and enhancing cooperation could lead to mutual economic and strategic benefits.

The ministers also reviewed recent regional and international developments.

They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to coordination on matters affecting stability, diplomacy, and global partnerships.

During the talks, the Saudi side expressed openness to exploring deeper ties with Montenegro as part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy of expanding international cooperation.

Montenegro, in turn, reiterated its interest in partnering with Saudi Arabia in development, education, digital innovation, and public-sector modernization.

The meeting further included discussions on potential agreements that could strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides emphasized the value of boosting communication between government agencies, private sectors, and investment authorities.

Diplomatic officials noted that the dialogue aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify international partnerships under its broader transformation agenda.

Montenegro welcomed these initiatives and expressed readiness to engage in joint projects that can benefit both nations politically and economically.

The talks concluded with a shared commitment to continue building on existing diplomatic frameworks.

Both ministers stressed that sustained communication and regular high-level visits will support long-term cooperation and enable the two countries to explore new areas of partnership.

As global challenges evolve, the meeting underscored the importance of dialogue between nations with shared goals of stability, development, and economic progress.

Saudi Arabia and Montenegro affirmed that strengthening ties serves their national interests while contributing to wider regional and international collaboration.

The visit is expected to pave the way for future exchanges between officials, experts, and business delegations.

Both sides expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting will translate into concrete initiatives that deepen their bilateral relationship.

The Riyadh discussions demonstrated the willingness of both countries to enhance political, economic, and cultural engagement.

With continued cooperation, both nations aim to expand opportunities and build a more dynamic and productive partnership in the years ahead.