RT by @mikenov: German Chancellor Merz is “shocked” and calls Schröder’s birthday visit to Putin “immoral,” per the government spokesperson today. CDU general secretary Hoppermann said “shame is hardly the word.” Kiesewetter called it “betrayal of Europe and of one’s own country.” The lone defender is SPD’s Stegner, who argued Schröder is one of the few Germans with access to Putin and the visit would be a success if it moved peace “even a millimetre.”

German Chancellor Merz is “shocked” and calls Schröder’s birthday visit to Putin “immoral,” per the government spokesperson today.

CDU general secretary Hoppermann said “shame is hardly the word.”

Kiesewetter called it “betrayal of Europe and of one’s own country.”

The lone defender is SPD’s Stegner, who argued Schröder is one of the few Germans with access to Putin and the visit would be a success if it moved peace “even a millimetre.”Clash Report (@clashreport)Former German Chancellor Schröder visited Putin at home on his 74th birthday.

The Kremlin said Putin spotted Schröder was in Moscow — there for a board seat at Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus — and invited his “old friend” over on 7 October.

The same day, Russia launched a mass strike on Ukraine killing at least 32 people.

Zelensky called it the birthday “present” Putin gave himself.—  https://x.com/clashreport/status/2108486313947099418

— @clashreport Oct 9, 2026