[Rockstar]

Poland investigates former German Chancellor Schröder's involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine

May 11, 2023, 05:44 PM

Polish authorities are looking into the role former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder may have played in helping Moscow prepare for its invasion of Ukraine, Polish news outlet RMF24 reported on May 11.

According to the report, Poland’s National Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating if Schröder may have used his position in the Russian energy sector to exert undue pressure on EU countries and Ukraine. In particular, there’s concern that the former chancellor could have used his influence to help Russia browbeat the EU into refraining from supporting Ukraine militarily.

Documents from the case indicate that Schröder did not sever ties with the Kremlin after the beginning of the full-scale invasion and continued to hold positions in Russian state energy companies – until the European Parliament threatened him with personal sanctions.

On May 20, 2022, Schröder resigned from the board of directors of Rosneft, after the European Parliament announced the former official was facing personal sanctions.