# SPD lawmaker says Schroder could open a door to Putin for Europe

https://mins.news/en/item/93358

- TASS, 2026-10-09 14:45 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2199935

> Ralf Stegner, foreign policy expert for the SPD parliamentary group in Germany’s Bundestag, said former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder could help Europe reach Russian President Vladimir Putin. Stegner said even a small contribution to peace from Schroder’s visit would make it a success. Other SPD figures said Schroder could assist diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

## Related coverage

- [Schröder’s visit to Putin sparks political backlash in Germany](https://mins.news/en/video/93802) — DW News, 2026-10-09
- [Merz ‘deeply outraged’ by Schroeder’s visit to Putin’s birthday celebration](https://mins.news/en/item/93059) — Reuters, 2026-10-09
- [Ex-German Chancellor Schröder attends Putin's birthday party](https://mins.news/en/item/92267) — DW, 2026-10-08