Polish prosecutors probing role of ex-chancellor Schröder in Russia's invasion

The National Public Prosecutor's Office of Poland is investigating the role of German ex-chancellor Gerhard Schröder in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reported the Polish radio station RMF FM with reference to its own sources.

Reportedly, the National Public Prosecutor's Office received a report about the "possibility of committing a crime" by Schröder and included him in the investigation into the invasion. This case is handled by the Masovian Department of the National Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption.

The ex-chancellor may have used his positions in the Russian energy sector to later put pressure on the EU states and Ukraine, according to the documents obtained by the investigation. Investigators must also find out exactly what role Schröder played in the preparation of the Russian invasion.

The message states that despite the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Schröder "did not distance himself from the Kremlin and continued to hold positions in Russian energy companies."

RMF FM notes that Polish investigators are conducting the investigation in coordination with their Ukrainian counterparts, and Polish law enforcement officers have interviewed almost 2,000 witnesses.

On April 24, 2022, Schröder said that he does not blame himself for his closeness to Russia and does not want to distance himself from Russian dictator Putin.

On July 10, 2022, the ex-chancellor of Germany said that he intends to continue communication with Putin.

On May 9, 2023, Schröder attended a Victory Day party at the Russian Embassy in Berlin.