Germany's Schroeder no 'honest broker' in Ukraine talks, says German official

​Germany's top ​official for Europe ‌on Monday ​dismissed a suggestion by Russian President Vladimir ‌Putin that former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could mediate between Russia and Europe ‌to secure a peace deal ‌in Ukraine.

Schroeder "has not exactly done everything in the past to be able to act ⁠as ​a ⁠neutral mediator, an 'honest broker,' so to speak," ⁠Minister of State for Europe Gunther ​Krichbaum said in Brussels.

"He is, and ⁠certainly has been, heavily influenced by ⁠Mr Putin - ​close friendships may be legitimate anywhere in the world, ⁠but they do not help one ⁠to ⁠be perceived as an impartial mediator," Krichbaum said.

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