Putin signals willingness to negotiate with Europe, proposes Schröder as mediator

Vladimir Putin indicated openness to negotiations with Europe and proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a preferred mediator, according to Italian media reports citing Putin's statements on the V-Day anniversary.

Speaking to the EU Council president, Putin stated he believes the conflict with Ukraine "is coming to an end" and said he has never refused talks with the bloc. The comments coincide with a Trump-brokered three-day ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Schröder, who spearheaded the controversial Nord Stream energy project during his chancellorship, has maintained long-standing ties to the Kremlin. Putin's proposal of the former chancellor as negotiator signals potential diplomatic channels for broader European engagement.

The statement represents an unusual public overture from Moscow toward EU leadership amid ongoing military operations. European officials have not yet responded formally to the mediation proposal.