Schröder Attends Putin's Birthday Celebration, Drawing German Criticism

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder attended Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday celebration, according to the Kremlin, drawing fresh criticism in Germany for maintaining close ties with Moscow despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Schröder, who has remained a deeply controversial figure in Germany due to his continued relationship with Putin and his past senior roles in Russian energy companies, has faced repeated calls to distance himself from the Russian president.