Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation into former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s role in the build-up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to documents in the possession of the investigators, the German politician could exploit his positions in the Russian energy sector, where he held key roles, to exert pressure on EU countries and Ukraine.
After the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, Schröder did not distance himself from the Kremlin and continued to hold positions in Russian energy companies.
A few days ago, the former German chancellor also attended a reception at the Russian embassy in Berlin to mark the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Polish investigators are conducting the proceedings in consultation with the Ukrainians. So far they have interviewed nearly 2,000 witnesses.
Schröder met with Putin in Moscow a few weeks after the war started, and then again in July 2022. After each meeting, he assured that Moscow was allegedly interested in ending the war.
Gerhard Schröder led the German government from 1998 to 2005 and was the leader of the SPD from 1999 to 2004. After leaving his post as federal chancellor, he held important positions in Russian energy companies for many years.
