I wouldn’t trust Gerhard Schröder on anything regarding Russia to be honest.
Sure, but what purpose he had in saying it, most likely he just blurted out what was already considered common knowledge by then, either not realising or not giving a shit it’s going contrary to the official propaganda. Maybe getting a jab at the current govt or something.
For all his many, many faults, Gerhard Schröder isn’t exactly a bumbling oaf. His purpose for saying it is his multi decade close relationship with Putin that has netted him a very comfortable life in Russia and he ain’t about to throw that shit out, he’d always give you the line that paints Russia in a positive light. Doesn’t really have bearing on whether it’s true or not, he’s just absolutely not a source to be trusted here
Sure, but what purpose he had in saying it, most likely he just blurted out what was already considered common knowledge by then, either not realising or not giving a shit it’s going contrary to the official propaganda. Maybe getting a jab at the current govt or something.
For all his many, many faults, Gerhard Schröder isn’t exactly a bumbling oaf. His purpose for saying it is his multi decade close relationship with Putin that has netted him a very comfortable life in Russia and he ain’t about to throw that shit out, he’d always give you the line that paints Russia in a positive light. Doesn’t really have bearing on whether it’s true or not, he’s just absolutely not a source to be trusted here
Corroborated by at least 3 other sources, or 5 according to the OP pic