https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ex-german-chancellor-schr-der-attends-putin-s-birthday-bashContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ex-german-chancellor-schr-der-attends-putin-s-birthday-bashhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/ex-german-chancellor-schr-der-attends-putin-s-birthday-bash#u133036Sun, 18 Oct 2026 19:36:27 +0000Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder traveled to Moscow to celebrate Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday at the president's home. The Kremlin published photos of the two men together to confirm the visit. The trip has sparked backlash in Germany, where a poll indicates a majority of citizens find the visit inappropriate. Political opponent Merz labeled the celebration absolutely immoral, and calls are increasing to expel Schröder from the Social Democratic Party of Germany.Why it mattersSchröder maintains a personal friendship with Putin despite the ongoing invasion