The European Union has firmly rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, expressed concerns that allowing Russia to appoint a negotiator would undermine the EU's position. She emphasized that Schröder, who has significant ties to Russian energy companies, cannot be seen as an impartial mediator. This rejection follows Putin's suggestion that the war could be approaching a conclusion, although his demands for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region remain unchanged. Ukraine has categorically refused to consider any withdrawal, backed by recent military developments that have stalled Russian advances. With a US-brokered ceasefire set to expire and Moscow unwilling to extend it, the prospect of diplomatic negotiations appears dim. EU leaders are increasingly advocating for a role in future peace discussions, stressing that no decisions should be made without Ukraine's participation. However, Schröder's record of defending Moscow has alienated him from mainstream European sentiment, further complicating his potential role as a mediator.