Germany says Putin's offer to have Schroeder mediate Ukraine talks lacks credibility

BERLIN, May 10 — Germany on Sunday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion that former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could coordinate talks with the European Union to secure a peace deal in Ukraine. A German official and a government spokesperson said there were no signs Moscow was serious about negotiations.

European Council President Antonio Costa had said there was "potential" for the EU to negotiate with Russia on the future security architecture of Europe; Putin said Schroeder would be his preferred mediator if such talks were to occur. The German official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the offer was not credible because Russia had not changed its conditions.

The anonymous official and a government spokesperson told sources that an initial test of Russia's sincerity would be whether Moscow was willing to extend a three-day ceasefire. The official described Putin's proposal as one of several "bogus offers" aimed at dividing the Western alliance.

Schroeder has faced heavy criticism in Germany for his closeness to Putin, including taking a leadership role in a German-Russian gas pipeline consortium shortly asourceser leaving office in 2005. Berlin reiterated on Friday that any talks involving the EU would need to be closely coordinated with member states and Ukraine.

- A German official said Russia had not changed its conditions for peace. - Officials said an initial test would be whether Moscow would extend a three-day ceasefire.

- Germany noted any EU talks would require coordination with member states and Ukraine. - Schroeder took a role in a German-Russian gas pipeline consortium asourceser leaving office in 2005.