Germany's Schroeder joins Russian stores chain

Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, known for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been appointed to the supervisory board of Hyperglobus, a Russian supermarket chain previously owned by the German Globus group, Russia's RBK newspaper reported Friday.

Schroeder maintained ties with Putin since the Kremlin sent troops to Ukraine and the Russian leader has re-peatedly said the former German leader would be the Kremlin's choice for a mediator on the war. RBK reported Schroeder, 82, will provide "strategic guidance" to the business.

Citing the company, the newspaper said Schroeder called for maintaining economic ties with Russia – hit by giant Western sanctions for its Ukraine war.