Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the occasion of his birthday. The two politicians met, embraced, and were photographed by the fireplace and samovar. According to available information, Schröder was invited to the celebration additionally. STVR (Minúta po minúte) ↗
The visit sparked sharp criticism in Germany, as Schröder has maintained ties with Moscow even after the start of the war in Ukraine. Critics accuse him of deriving no obligations from his former state office and continuing to appear alongside the Russian president. Le Figaro ↗
Current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted with marked disapproval to Schröder's meeting with Putin. He stated that he was "deeply outraged" by the visit. The criticism came at a time when Germany is supporting Ukraine and pushing for a tougher stance toward Russia. ORF ↗
Schröder served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005. After leaving politics, he became involved in several Russian energy projects, and his contacts with Putin have long been a subject of controversy in Germany.
The meeting in Moscow could deepen the rift between Schröder and his former political party, as well as fuel a broader debate about what role a former chancellor should play during a time of war and strained relations between Russia and Germany. Sueddeutsche Zeitung ↗
Merz sharply criticizes Schröder's visit to Putin
On Record
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
03.09.2026
„Terrorismo di Stato"
Reakcia na Zelenského varovanie o ruskom vzdušnom priestore
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
02.09.2026
„ne négocie pas avec les terroristes"
Reakcia na Zelenského varovanie o ruskom vzdušnom priestore.
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
02.09.2026
„state terrorism"
Reakcia na Zelenského varovanie pre aerolínie
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
25.08.2026
„Büchse der Pandora geöffnet"
Reakcia na ukrajinské útoky na ruské ekonomické ciele
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
25.08.2026
„Otworzyliście puszkę Pandory"
Vyhlásenie po ukrajinských dronových útokoch
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Vladimir Putin
Prezident Ruska
25.08.2026
„Risposta ai raid di Kiev sarà distruttiva"
Hrozba odvetou za útoky Kyjeva
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies. Please verify information in the original sources below.
Sources (8)
Besuch bei Putin: Schröder erzürnt seine Partei – mal wieder
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
| 13:38 09.10.
Russie : Vladimir Poutine reçoit Gerhard Schröder à Moscou le jour de son anniversaire
Le Figaro
| 12:56 09.10.
Merz „zutiefst empört“ über Schröder-Besuch bei Putin
ORF
| 12:09 09.10.
Kanzler geht Altkanzler an: Merz ist "zutiefst empört" über Schröders Feierei mit Putin
n-tv
| 13:35 09.10.
Geburtstagsfeier mit Putin: Der vollständige moralische Bankrott des Gerhard Schröder
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
| 12:53 09.10.
Na narodeninách Vladimira Putina sa objavil bývalý nemecký kancelár Gerhard Schröder, ktorého pozvali zjavne ad hoc.
STVR (Minúta po minúte)
| 12:51 09.10.
Schroeder da Putin per il compleanno, Merz 'profondamente indignato'
ANSA
| 12:35 09.10.
Gerhard Schroeder na urodzinach Władimira Putina. "Hańba dla Niemiec"
TVN24.pl
| 12:07 09.10.
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