Merz says he is "deeply offended" that Schröder attended Putin's 74th birthday

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he is "deeply offended" that former chancellor Gerhard Schröder attended President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday celebration in Moscow. The criticism came from the government after Kremlin photos and reports showed Schröder at the event.

Deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer underlined the government's position in a terse statement: "Only Putin is responsible for the war in Ukraine." He added stronger language condemning the visit as morally unacceptable given the ongoing conflict.

Government reaction and political fallout

Meyer expanded on the human cost of the war, saying: "Every day, Putin's orders cause immeasurable suffering, civilian casualties, families torn apart, deaths and injuries. In that sense, the Chancellor considers it utterly immoral that Schröder celebrates together with Putin." The remark was presented as the official response from the chancellor's office.

The dispute has prompted criticism across party lines in Germany, with voices from several parties calling Schröder's appearance at the Kremlin-hosted event unacceptable. Officials stressed that Schröder travelled without any mandate from the federal government.

The Kremlin described Schröder as an "old friend" and published photographs of him with Putin. German officials, however, framed the visit against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the diplomatic isolation many Western leaders maintain toward the Kremlin.

For now, the incident has become a fresh test of domestic political consensus on Russia and how former officials' private ties to the Kremlin are treated in Berlin's public debate.

Photo: Telegram)