Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder visits Vladimir Putin for 74th birthday

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday to celebrate the latter's 74th birthday. The meeting occurred at Putin's residence after the Russian leader reportedly learned through media reports that Schroeder was visiting the Russian capital on business.

According to an official Kremlin statement issued via Telegram, which included a photograph of the two figures embracing, Putin invited his long-time associate to his home. Schroeder, who recently joined the supervisory board of the Russian subsidiary of the German supermarket chain Globus, was in Moscow to visit one of the company's retail locations. His trip to Russia follows his recent appearance in Bremen for the German Unity Day celebrations alongside Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

This visit underscores the persistent personal connection between the two men despite the broader geopolitical climate. While no further formal political developments were announced, the event has drawn attention due to Schroeder's ongoing involvement in the Russian business sector and his historical relationship with the Russian leadership.